Occupational Lung Diseases Among Workers in the Construction Industry in the MENA Region: A Literature Review

Occupational lung diseases (OLDs), caused by workplace hazards such as silica, coal, and asbestos, pose serious health risks to construction workers. The prevalence, risk factors, and preventive measures of OLDs among construction workers in the MENA region were heavily emphasized in this literature review. Additionally, this review examines the link between prolonged exposure and the presentation of lung conditions with respect to the role of risk factors, inadequate protective measures, and education. This review included an analysis of peer-reviewed articles on occupational lung diseases in the MENA region, focusing on studies published in the last 20 years from the databases PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Many workers, including migrants from foreign countries, are employed in the construction industry, which is a major economic contributor to the region. However, workers are exposed to significant levels of respiratory hazards such as silica, asbestos, and other chemicals, leading to various lung diseases, both short- and long-term, affecting their overall health. Despite regulatory efforts, the exposure of construction workers to hazards remains significant, posing a risk for lung diseases. There is a notable knowledge gap in the construction industry in the MENA region, especially among workers and engineers concerning occupational lung disease risks, emphasizing the need to enhance worker health and safety through strict law enforcement, the implementation of new policies, and improved education and training.