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Occupational asthma - what you can do
One in 10 cases of asthma in adults (both new asthma symptoms and childhood asthma symptoms returning) is thought to be caused by substances they are exposed to at their place of work.
The most common type of occupational asthma is allergic occupational asthma. This means that the symptoms are caused by an allergic reaction to substances you’re exposed to while doing your job.
Which occupations are commonly affected?
More than 300 substances are thought to be possible asthma triggers. The most common work-related allergens are found in:
- Vehicle spray painting - a chemical called isocyanate
- Baking - workers in bakeries, flour mills and kitchens can be affected by flour dust
- Woodworking - joinery and furniture industries can be sensitive to dusts from hardwood, softwood and wood composite.
- Soldering - workers in the assembly and electronics industries can be affected by the fumes from rosin-based solder flux.
- Healthcare - (1) Latex - natural rubber latex proteins have the potential to cause asthma and (2) Diathermy - a surgical technique which uses heat from an electric current to cut tissue or seal bleeding vessels. Invisible toxic gases, particles and vapours produced by the procedures can sometimes cause asthma symptoms.
- Working with animals - people who work with animals can be affected by their fur, feathers, dander, dried urine and saliva dust .
- Working in agriculture - agricultural dusts are the most common cause of occupational asthma in this industry. Substances like grain and poultry dust, and mixtures of fungal spores, bacteria, endotoxins, mites, animal dander and faeces, plant dust, soil, bedding, feed and feed components, chemicals, etc are all potential triggers for asthma.
- Engineering - exposure to to metalworking fluids (MWFs) is another cause of occupational asthma.
- Hairdressing - a substance called persulphate found in hairdresser’s bleach is known to cause occupational asthma in some people.
Your risk of developing allergy-related occupational asthma is higher if you smoke, if you have asthma or allergies in your family, or if you have allergies yourself.
What is Irritant-induced asthma?
Irritant-induced asthma isn’t allergy-related. The symptoms are caused by breathing in a chemical that irritates your airways, causing asthma-like symptoms. It’s not a common type of occupational asthma, and it tends to be caused by a one-off accident or a spillage rather than repeated exposure.
The most common causes are chlorine (used in swimming pools) and ammonia. If you experience wheezing, coughing, breathlessness or chest tightness within 24 hours of a chemical spillage at work, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible.
How do I know if my asthma is work-related?
If you notice that your asthma symptoms get better on the days when you’re not in the workplace and get worse again as soon as you return to work, it’s possible that your asthma is related to your work. Make an appointment with your doctor for diagnosis and advice on what to do next.How is occupational asthma diagnosed?
Your doctor will need to ask you about your job and any chemicals or substances you come into regular contact with. You’ll probably be referred to a specialist.
Along with skin or blood tests you might also be asked to take peak flow measurements at work and away from work. You could also be asked to keep a diary of your symptoms to see if there are any obvious patterns.
In some cases, you might need to take a ‘challenge test', where you breathe in substances that might be triggering your asthma symptoms to see which ones affect you. You’ll only have this test if your asthma is so severe you can’t risk being exposed to the allergen again, or if the cause of your symptoms can’t be found any other way.
How to manage occupational asthma
If possible, try to avoid the substance(s) that cause your symptoms. This isn’t always easy but ask your employer if they can reduce or remove exposure, for example by getting allergens replaced with a safer alternative.
If this isn’t possible, consider asking your employer to install extractor fans.
You can try using respiratory protective equipment (RPE), to stop you inhaling the substances causing you problems. Remember that if your asthma is being caused or worsened by your workplace, your employer has a legal responsibility to offer you RPE. You are responsible for making sure the equipment fits and is worn correctly, removed safely, maintained regularly and replaced if needed.
Follow your asthma plan - if you have been prescribed a preventer inhaler, make sure that you use it as advised. This helps to reduce inflammation in the airways and prevents symptoms in the long term.