Modern challenges of occupational pulmonology in the renewable energy sector: toxicological risks and diagnostic approaches

Kapustnyk V.A.

Main
Publications
Modern challenges of occupational pulmonology in the renewable energy sector: toxicological risks and diagnostic approaches

May 8, 2026

Occupational diseases

Kapustnyk V.A.

УДК: 616.24-003.6:620.92

Keywords :

hypersensitivity pneumonitis,

nanoparticles,

occupational lung diseases,

renewable energy,

toxicity

Specialities :

Occupational diseases

Resume

The global transition to renewable energy is associated with the emergence of new occupational respiratory risks. Despite the environmental benefits, industrial processes involve exposure to toxic chemicals, nanoparticles, and heavy metals. Objective: to summarize current data on the mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic approaches to occupational lung diseases in the renewable energy sector. Materials and methods. A systematic review of scientific literature was conducted using international bibliographic databases. Results. Exposure to epoxy resins and 4,4’-methylenedianiline is associated with the development of occupational asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Cadmium telluride nanoparticles induce oxidative stress and contribute to the development of interstitial pulmonary fibrosis. Cobalt and nickel dust are associated with interstitial lung diseases, including giant cell interstitial pneumonia. The findings indicate an increasing role of nanotoxicological and immunological mechanisms in the development of occupational respiratory diseases in the renewable energy sector. These factors complicate early diagnosis and highlight the need to improve medical surveillance systems. Conclusion. Occupational lung diseases in the renewable energy sector require early detection and improved medical surveillance systems.

References

1. Yin K., Liu L., Gu H. (2022) Green paradox or forced emission reduction—The dual effects of environmental regulation on carbon emissions. Int. J. Environmental Res. Public Health, 19(17): 11058. DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191711058.
2. Turner M.C., Basagaña X., Albin M. et al. (2025) Occupational health in the era of climate change and the green transition: a call for research. Lancet Reg. Health Eur., 54: 101353. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2025.101353.
3. Mkalaf K.A., Al-Hadeethi R.H., Al-Bazi A. (2022) Industrial occupational risks: application study in renewable energy companies. Advances in Industrial Engineering and Management, 11(1): 20–28. DOI: 10.26480/aiem.01.2022.20.28.
4. Орел Ю.Л., Прочан А.О., Нестеренко О.П. (2024) Перспективи післявоєнного відновлення економіки України: реалії сьогодення. Академічні візії, Вип. 31. doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11096562.
5. Rudawska A., Sarna-Boś K., Rudawska A. et al. (2022) Biological effects and toxicity of compounds based on cured epoxy resins. Polymers, 14(22): 4915. DOI: 10.3390/polym14224915.
6. Calaras D., David A., Vasarmidi E. et al. (2024) Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: challenges of a complex disease. Canadian Respir. J., Article ID 4919951. DOI: 10.1155/2024/4919951.
7. Unterberger-Henig E. (2022) Comparative evaluation of three methylene dianiline isomers in the bacterial reverse mutation assay, the in vitro gene mutation test, and the in vitro chromosomal aberration test. Toxicology and Industrial Health, 38(9): 529–543. DOI: 10.1177/0748233221091018.
8. Patel P., Bello D., Bello A. (2025) Identifying and prioritizing hazardous chemicals in construction metal structure coating systems: a roadmap for data-driven disease prevention. Am. J. Industrial Med. onlinelibrary.wiley.com.
9. Lestari M., Fujianti P., Novrikasari N., Nandini R.F. (2023) Dust exposure and lung function disorders. Respiratory Science, 3(3): 218–230. DOI: 10.36497/respirsci.v3i3.80.
10. Firouzabadi A.R., Firouzabadi A.M., Shayesteh M.R. (2025) The impact of cadmium telluride quantum dots on male reproductive health: a systematic review of toxicological effects and mechanisms. World J. Men’s Health. DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.250107.
11. Tapak M., Sadeghi S., Ghazanfari T. et al. (2023) Chemical exposure and alveolar macrophages responses: the role of pulmonary defense mechanism in inhalation injuries. BMJ Open Respiratory Research, 10: e001589. DOI: 10.1136/bmjresp-2022-001589.
12. Дерев’янко С.В., Небещук О.Д. (2025) Вивчення цитотоксичності та проліферативної активності наночастинок і композитних наноматеріалів у культурі клітин ВНК-21. Актуальні питання ветеринарної медицини: реалії та перспективи — 2025: зб. тез доповідей міжнар. наук.-практ. конф., 15 травня 2025 р., Харків, ДБТУ, 103–105. repo.btu.kharkiv.ua/handle/123456789/67544.
13. Рибальченко Є.В. (2024) Вплив нанопластику і мікропластику на морфологію та фізіологію легень: систематичний огляд. Проблеми екології та медицини, 28(3): 42–60. DOI: 10.31718/mep.2024.28.3.06.
14. Zhang L., Zhang Y., Xu Z., Zhu P. (2023) The foreseeable future of spent lithium-ion batteries: advanced upcycling for toxic electrolyte, cathode, and anode from environmental and technological perspectives. Environmental Science & Technology, 57(36): 13270–13291. DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c01369.
15. Akira M., Suganuma N. (2024) Hard metal lung disease. Health Sciences Review, 11: 100167. DOI: 10.1016/j.hsr.2024.100167.
16. Bhutia P.T., Grugeon S., El Mejdoubi A. et al. (2024) Safety aspects of sodium-ion batteries: prospective analysis from first generation towards more advanced systems. Batteries, 10(10): 370. DOI: 10.3390/batteries10100370.
17. Murgia N., Akgun M., Blanc P.D. et al. (2024) The occupational burden of respiratory diseases: an update. Pulmonology, 3. DOI: 10.1016/j.pulmoe.2024.03.004.