Pathogenesis of occupational lung disease

Many immunologic and nonimmunologic mechanisms are responsible for producing occupational lung disease. Host factors such as atopic status, smoking history, and hyperreactivity of the lung all influence how a worker will respond to toxic and antigenic substances in the workplace. Particle factors such as size, shape, and solubility influence the site of lung disease that develops. Asthma in the workplace can be mediated by a variety of immunologic and nonimmunologic mechanisms. An interaction of immunologic and nonimmunologic processes is the most likely pathogenesis for HP. The role of immunologic processes in the pathogenesis of occupational pneumoconioses is unknown.