Occupational diseases, stress-related

Carbon monoxide at high levels can cause myocardial infarction in otherwise healthy individuals and, at lower levels, can aggravate ischemia in the face of established atherosclerotic heart disease (ASHD). Chronic exposure to carbon monoxide may also be associated with ASHD. Many jurisdictions automatically grant workers compensation to firemen or policemen with ASHD, regarding it as a stress-related occupational disease. This is related to social policy rather than established epidemiologic risk. 

Many occupational diseases are associated with specific occupations, e.g. silicosis with the pottery industry, byssinosis with the cotton industry. Whilst improvements in working conditions have greatly reduced the incidence of such diseases, routine monitoring of workers not exposed to these conditions is an important feature of occupational health practice. Here the principal objective is that of controlling diseases and conditions prevalent in industrial populations with a view to their eventual eradication. This form of monitoring also makes a great contribution to the control of stress-related diseases and conditions, such as mental illness and heart disease. 

Cooper, C. and Marshall, J. (1976). Occupational sources of stress A review of the literature relating to coronary heart disease and mental ill-health. Journal of Occupational Psychology 49 11-28. 

Cooper, C. L., and Marshall, J., Occupational Sources of Stress A Review of the Literature Relating to Coronary Heart Disease and Mental lU Health, Journal of Occupational Psychology, Vol. 49, 1976, pp. 11-28. 

Occupational and environmental medicine is a branch of medical practice specializing in disease and illness related to work and environmental exposures. Occupational health physicians diagnose and treat diseases and illness that may arise from work and exposure to hazardous environments. Such exposure may be a contributory factor in other diseases. Treatment may include various physical and occupational therapies to allow a return to work. Occupational health physicians also promote healthy workplaces and deal with workplace stresses. The professional organization in the United State is the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM). 

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