What does the term "occupational disease" encompass?

The term "occupational disease" specifically refers to chronic diseases or conditions that arise as a direct result of long-term exposure to workplace hazards. This includes a variety of health issues that can develop over time due to factors such as exposure to toxic substances, repetitive strain from specific tasks, or ergonomic issues tied to one’s work environment. Occupational diseases are often recognized as preventable ailments that can develop silently over years of exposure, thus distinguishing them from acute injuries that happen suddenly and can be directly linked to specific incidents.

In contrast, injuries sustained from workplace accidents are classified as acute injuries rather than diseases, since they typically occur due to immediate and identifiable incidents. Similarly, conditions that arise from commuting are not classified as occupational diseases because they occur outside the workplace environment, and temporary ailments from work-related stress do not fit the classification of a chronic disease. Thus, B is the only choice that accurately encompasses the essence of "occupational disease."