Article 14 of Social Security and General Health Insurance Law No. 5510 defines occupational diseases as follows: "Occupational diseases refer to temporary or permanent illnesses, physical or mental disabilities, that occur due to recurring causes arising from the nature of the work performed by the insured, or due to the conditions of work." This definition stipulates that for a disease to be considered an occupational disease, it must be caused by the characteristics of the work itself. In other words, a cause-and-effect relationship between the disease and the work performed is one of the fundamental criteria for a disease to be considered an occupational disease.

Causes of Occupational Diseases

Occupational diseases have various causative factors. The main causes are listed below:

• Chemical factors: The most common risk factors in the workplace are exposure to chemicals. Chemicals such as solvents, gases, acids, pesticides, and heavy metals are among the workplace risk factors.
• Physical factors: Unfavorable workplace conditions such as noise, vibration, high temperature, low humidity levels, and inadequate lighting can lead to various health problems in employees over time.
• Biological agents: Occupational diseases in this group generally arise from exposure to biological agents such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites in the workplace. For example, diseases such as brucellosis, tuberculosis, anthrax, Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, and salmonellosis, which are more common in occupational groups such as farmers, butchers, veterinarians, and livestock breeders, fall into this category. Healthcare workers are also at increased risk for diseases such as Hepatitis B, AIDS , and rubella.
• Dusts: Chemical dusts (e.g., cotton dust, iron dust, coal dust) and biological dusts (e.g., flax dust, sugarcane dust) are also among the causes of occupational diseases. These dusts can cause various health problems when inhaled.

Occupational Disease Groups

Occupational diseases are divided into different groups based on the regions they affect and their causes. In Türkiye, occupational diseases are classified according to their causative factors and the organs they affect. According to this classification, occupational diseases are divided into the following five groups:

• Group A occupational diseases (chemical-related occupational diseases): Diseases related to chemical agents constitute a significant portion of this group. Examples include lung diseases such as silicosis, asbestosis, bronchitis, skin diseases, and neurological problems resulting from lead poisoning. Furthermore, the risk of lung cancer increases in association with chemical agents.
• Group B Occupational Diseases (Occupational Skin Diseases): Skin diseases resulting from exposure to factors in the workplace are generally referred to as occupational dermatoses. Skin diseases account for 30-40% of occupational diseases. Physical factors (heat, cold, humidity, radiation), chemicals (solvents, chrome, paint), biological agents (viruses, bacteria), and mechanical factors (pressure, trauma) can cause skin diseases. Contact dermatitis, folliculitis, skin cancer, and chemical burns are common diseases in this group.
• Group C occupational diseases (occupational respiratory diseases): Respiratory diseases also constitute a significant group. Those working in dusty environments are particularly at risk of respiratory illness. Diseases such as silicosis due to silica dust, coal worker's pneumoconiosis due to coal dust, and asbestosis due to asbestos dust are included in this group. Diseases such as bismuthosis due to cotton dust may also occur.

Group D occupational diseases (occupational infectious diseases): Infectious diseases that develop as a result of exposure to microorganisms in the workplace are included in Group D. Healthcare workers, in particular, are at risk for diseases such as Hepatitis B, AIDS , tuberculosis, and anthrax.

Group E occupational diseases (occupational diseases due to physical factors): The physical characteristics of the work environment (humidity, temperature, pressure, lighting) can have health effects. For example, working in a noisy environment can cause hearing problems over time.

Apart from these, the ILO (International Labour Organization) points out that psychological factors such as not enjoying work, mobbing (psychological pressure), and disagreements with colleagues are also among the causes of occupational diseases.

Characteristics of occupational diseases

Today, the terms "occupational disease" and "work-related illness" are often confused. Understanding the characteristics of occupational illnesses can help us understand the difference between these two terms. Occupational diseases develop as a result of long-term exposure to risk factors in the work environment and generally affect individuals in a specific occupational group. On the other hand, work-related illnesses such as headaches, stress, and vision problems can also occur in the general population.

In addition, important characteristics of occupational diseases are:

• Long-term exposure: Occupational diseases occur as a result of long-term exposure to risk factors in the workplace. These factors may pose a higher risk to workers in certain occupations.
• Occupational diseases often affect individuals within a specific occupational group. For example, workers exposed to chemicals may be prone to respiratory illnesses.
• General work-related illnesses: Work-related illnesses such as headaches, stress, and vision problems can also be seen in other segments of society. These illnesses are not limited to specific occupations.
• Repeated exposure: Occupational diseases can result from repeated exposure to risk factors. Long-term exposure can have an impact on the development of the disease.
• Uncertain onset: The exact time of onset of illness may not be known. Symptoms may appear slowly as a result of prolonged exposure.

These features help explain the definition and characteristics of occupational diseases.

Ways to protect against occupational diseases

Various precautions can be taken to protect against occupational diseases in the workplace. In this context, the following steps are important:

• Reducing risk factors: It's crucial to eliminate risk factors in the workplace whenever possible. If they can't be completely eliminated, measures should be taken to minimize the risk.
• Personal protective equipment: Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be used to manage risk factors. Workers can protect themselves by using equipment such as masks, gloves, goggles, and ear protection.
• Workplace arrangements: Proper ventilation systems and water irrigation can be implemented in the workplace to reduce the risk of dust-related occupational diseases.
• Regular doctor checkups: Because occupational diseases develop as a result of prolonged and repeated exposure, it can be difficult to know precisely when they begin. However, regular doctor checkups can help diagnose the disease early.
• Training and awareness: It is important to ensure that employees are aware of risk factors, know how to take protective measures, and provide training on occupational health and safety.

Professions that carry the risk of skin diseases:

Dermatological diseases can pose a particular risk for certain occupational groups. Furthermore, occupational stress can contribute to the development of dermatological problems. Below are some examples of occupational groups at risk for skin diseases:

• Businessmen
• Senior Executives
• Bankers
• Stockbrokers
• Members of the Media
• Architects
• Engineers
• Teachers
• Doctors

Workers in these occupations may experience various skin problems due to job stress. Stressful working conditions can predispose to skin conditions such as psoriasis, ringworm, hives, rosacea, allergic skin conditions, and eczema.

Those in stressful occupations are at increased risk of varicose veins. Varicose veins can develop due to the dilation of veins, especially in occupations that require prolonged standing. These problems are more common in professions such as teachers and journalists. If left untreated, varicose veins can lead to pain, non-healing wounds, and chronic conditions.

It is important for individuals working in these occupational groups to take care of their skin health, make efforts in stress management, and follow occupational health and safety measures.