Under which category asbestosis will be included?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

KGMU Nursing Officer 2023 Memory-Based Previous Year Paper

Answer 1

Correct Answer: Occupational disease

Rationale:

Asbestosis is a chronic lung condition caused by long-term exposure to asbestos fibers, which are commonly encountered in certain work environments, such as construction, mining, and shipbuilding.
It is classified as an occupational disease because it develops as a direct result of exposure to harmful substances during the course of employment, specifically asbestos fibers.
When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can accumulate in the lungs, leading to inflammation and scarring over time. This can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, persistent coughing, and chest pain.
Occupational diseases are health conditions that arise due to specific workplace hazards, and asbestosis is a prime example because the exposure occurs primarily in occupational settings.

Explanation of Other Options:

Water-borne disease

Rationale: Water-borne diseases are caused by pathogens or contaminants present in water, such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Examples include cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. Asbestosis is unrelated to contaminated water and thus does not fall under this category.

Air-borne disease

Rationale: Air-borne diseases are transmitted through the air via pathogens, such as viruses or bacteria, and include illnesses like tuberculosis, influenza, and measles. Although asbestos fibers are inhaled, asbestosis is not caused by pathogens but rather by occupational exposure to asbestos, making it distinct from air-borne diseases.

Food-borne disease

Rationale: Food-borne diseases occur due to the consumption of contaminated food, often caused by bacteria, viruses, or toxins. Examples include salmonella, food poisoning, and listeriosis. Asbestosis is not related to food consumption and thus does not fit into this category.

Conclusion:

Asbestosis is classified as an occupational disease because it is directly linked to workplace exposure to asbestos fibers. This highlights the importance of workplace safety measures to protect employees from harmful substances and prevent occupational diseases.