What Are the Challenges in Studying Work Related Diseases?
Several challenges complicate the study of work related diseases:
- Latency Period: Many occupational diseases have long latency periods, making it difficult to link them directly to workplace exposures. - Underreporting: Workers may not report symptoms due to fear of job loss or stigma, leading to underestimation of the true burden. - Changing Work Environments: The dynamic nature of workplaces means that new hazards can emerge over time, requiring ongoing surveillance and adaptation of prevention strategies. - Multifactorial Causes: Work related diseases often result from a combination of occupational and non-occupational factors, complicating the attribution of causality.
