Market Trends of Occupational Medicines Industry
Respiratory Diseases Segment is Expected to Grow Significantly Over the Forecast Period
The respiratory diseases segment is expected to grow over the forecast period, among other segments, due to the increasing number of respiratory illnesses such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and silicosis globally. Work-related respiratory diseases caused by breathing in hazardous substances mainly damage the lungs. People who work in antibiotics manufacturing factories and drug manufacturing complain about breathing issues, and work-related asthma is more prevalent among this target population.
For instance, as per the article published in November 2022 in Frontiers, workers involved in the powder-coating process are at a high health risk due to the high concentrations of submicron particles. Furthermore, workers' respiratory intake of ultrafine particles (UFPs) is elevated, as evidenced by the highly deposited UFPs in the lungs and the accompanying high average daily doses (ADD) in employees. Hence, with the increasing drug development and manufacturing, the risk of occupational respiratory diseases is increasing, which is anticipated to drive the segment's growth over the forecast period.
Furthermore, as per the work-related asthma statistics in the United Kingdom published in July 2023, there were an estimated 350 new cases of occupational asthma reported by doctors participating in the SWORD (Surveillance of Work-Related & Occupational Respiratory Diseases) scheme within the Health and Occupation Reporting (THOR) network, United Kingdom. Additionally, as per US Bureau of Labor Statistics data updated in November 2023, employer-reported respiratory illnesses increased by nearly 37.5% in the United States in 2022 compared to the previous year. Therefore, the work-related respiratory diseases segment is anticipated to grow over the forecast period globally.
North America Anticipated to Hold a Significant Share in the Market Over the Forecast Period
North America is likely to hold a significant market share in the occupational medicines market over the forecast period owing to factors such as an increase in new product launches, the number of research and development (R&D) activities and investments in the sector, and an increase in awareness programs conducted by the government agencies. For instance, according to the Occupational Disease in Connecticut, 2023 report, musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and tendonitis dominated other workers' compensation reports, accounting for 40% of reports and 30% of physician reports in the United States.
As per the same source, respiratory diseases and poisonings, which include respiratory conditions and lung diseases such as asthma, as well as poisonings such as from carbon monoxide and lead, accounted for 3% of cases for workers' compensation and 7% of physician reports. Hence, such a rise in occupational diseases among the workers in the region is expected to increase the demand in the occupational medicine market over the forecast period.
Furthermore, awareness programs across North America regarding the importance of occupational health are expected to drive market growth. For instance, from May 1 to 7, 2022, workplaces across North America celebrated Safety and Health Week with activities raising awareness of the importance of preventing injury and illness in the home, workplace, and community. This free, live event will feature perspectives on workplace health and safety and the impacts of workplace tragedies on families.
Therefore, North America is anticipated to witness growth over the forecast period due to the rise in workplace injuries, the surge in occupational diseases, and the increase in government awareness programs and funding initiatives.
