Occupational lung disease statistics - 2024-2025
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Occupational Lung Disease: What the Latest HSE Data Shows
The latest data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on occupational lung disease in Great Britain highlights the serious and long-term impact that workplace exposure can have on health, often many years after the exposure first occurred.
The figures show that around 11,000 people die each year from lung diseases linked to past work-related exposure. These illnesses do not develop suddenly; instead, they are the result of long-term damage caused by substances such as dust, fumes, asbestos, and other hazardous airborne materials.
The Impact of Asbestos
Asbestos remains a major contributor to occupational lung disease. In 2023, there were 2,218 deaths from mesothelioma. The HSE also reports that a similar number of lung cancer deaths are linked to past asbestos exposure.
These figures reflect the devastating legacy of historical workplace practices, particularly from periods before asbestos controls and bans were fully introduced.
There is, however, some positive progress. Annual mesothelioma deaths are projected to decline between 2024 and 2040, reflecting the long-term benefits of banning asbestos and improving workplace protections.
New Cases and Ongoing Risk
Occupational lung disease is not just a historical issue. The HSE estimates around 22,000 new cases each year, based on self-reported data from the Labour Force Survey. These are conditions caused or made worse by work, showing that harmful exposure remains a current risk.
Reported rates of occupational asthma, based on data from chest physicians, have remained broadly stable since 2010. However, the COVID-19 pandemic introduced uncertainty due to disruptions in healthcare access, reporting, and diagnosis.
Breakdown of Occupational Lung Disease Deaths
Current estimates show how different diseases contribute to work-related lung disease deaths:
- 35% – Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- 23% – Non-asbestos-related lung cancer
- 20% – Mesothelioma
- 20% – Asbestos-related lung cancer
- 3% – Other lung diseases
Together, these conditions account for the majority of all work-related deaths each year.
Why Prevention Still Matters
The long-term trend in mesothelioma deaths clearly shows the historic rise linked to asbestos use, the recent peak, and the projected decline as generations with past exposure age.
These statistics underline that occupational lung disease remains one of the most serious and long-lasting consequences of unsafe working environments. Prevention today is essential to protect future workers.
This includes:
- Strict control of hazardous substances
- Effective ventilation systems
- Appropriate respiratory protective equipment (PPE)
- Regular health surveillance
- Strong workplace monitoring and safety systems
By maintaining high standards now, employers and workers can help prevent long-term, avoidable harm in the future.
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