March 05, 2026
Irwin Mitchell’s legal experts offer advice and support to people with work‑related lung diseases caused by or worsened by their job. Together, we will raise awareness of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and work-related interstitial lung disease (ILD), which is often overlooked or diagnosed late. While some forms of PF, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), have no known cause, others can be linked to workplace exposures, like dust and fumes.
Understanding work-related ILD
ILD refers to a group of over 200 conditions that cause inflammation and scarring of the supporting tissue between the air sacs of the lungs. When the scarring progresses, the lungs stiffen, making it harder to breathe.
Work-related ILDs can develop after prolonged exposure to substances like metal fumes, moulds, bacteria or bird proteins. People who are at higher risk include those working in construction, stone fabrication, mining, metalworking, manufacturing, farming, bird handling, textile production, auto mechanics and waste or recycling. Symptoms are often gradual and can include breathlessness, a dry, persistent cough, weight loss, fatigue and clubbing of the fingers.
Because symptoms often resemble other respiratory diseases and workplace exposure may have happened years earlier, work-related ILDs are frequently overlooked or diagnosed late. This makes it essential for healthcare professionals to take detailed work histories and ensure timely referrals to specialist ILD services.
Working together
Our new partnership with Irwin Mitchell builds on our shared commitment to put people affected by PF at the heart of everything we do and to ensure people living with PF can access the information and support they need to live well, for longer.
Our State of the Nation report, based on a survey of over 1,200 people, highlights the significant challenges people face in getting a timely PF diagnosis. With around 150,000 people across the UK estimated to be living with this devastating illness and a life expectancy of 3 to 5 years, misdiagnosis and delays can have serious consequences.
Through this partnership, we are committed to raising awareness of occupational risk factors, strengthening education and ensuring more people are referred to specialist services as soon as possible.