ERS | monograph Preface John R. Hurst Given that we spend perhaps 20% of our waking hours across a 75-year life span at work, it is hardly surprising that our work environment can affect our health, including our respiratory health. As respiratory professionals, we are used to taking a careful occupational history but, perhaps, when that suggests an environmental or occupational factor causing or exacerbating respiratory disease, we feel less comfortable and seek extra help and advice. In this context, it is a pleasure to introduce this much-requested latest ERS Monograph, which addresses the clinical science and practice that underpins environmental and occupational respiratory medicine. The Guest Editors Johanna Feary, Hille Suojalehto and Paul Cullinan are giants in the field, and have commissioned and edited a fascinating, informative, comprehensive and state-of-the-art collection across the spectrum of environmental and occupational respiratory diseases. My sincere thanks and appreciation to them, on behalf of the European Respiratory Society, for producing this work, which I have no doubt will be of interest and value to our members and more widely. I also share their hope that the enthusiasm for their subject that shines throughout this work will encourage and support early career clinicians and researchers to consider and pursue a career in this fascinating area. Wherever you work, in whichever branch of respiratory medicine and science, there is a topic here that will be of interest and importance to you. But don’t just take my word for it, read on … Disclosures: J.R. Hurst reports receiving grants, personal fees and non-financial support from pharmaceutical companies that make medicines to treat respiratory disease. This includes reimbursement for educational activities and advisory work, and support to attend meetings. Copyright ©ERS 2020. Print ISBN: 978-1-84984-124-5. Online ISBN: 978-1-84984-125-2. Print ISSN: 2312-508X. Online ISSN: 2312-5098. vi https://doi.org/10.1183/2312508X.10023720