Primary care providers are in a key position to prevent, identify, and treat occupational illness. Occupational asthma is a relatively common medical condition, but the diagnosis could easily be missed if a link is not established between symptoms and the workplace. Asbestosis, an interstitial disease related to asbestos exposure, becomes symptomatic only after a long latency period. Any adult presenting with new-onset asthma should be evaluated for occupational asthma. In patients who have developed asthma, preventive actions include eliminating exposure to other respiratory irritants such as dusts and cigarette smoke. The patient and primary care provider should establish a treatment plan that uses peak flow testing and the proper use of bronchodilators and inhaled steroids. Asbestos-related lung disease includes disorders such as benign pleural changes or illnesses such as asbestosis, malignant mesothelioma, and lung cancer. Asbestosis is the pulmonary occupational disease of diffuse interstitial fibrosis caused by asbestos exposure.