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Understanding Occupational Asthma: Causes, Prevention, and Control at Work

Occupational asthma is a serious condition caused by exposure to sensitising substances in the workplace. Common allergens include isocyanates, animal antigens, anhydrides, and various dusts, leading to symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and breathlessness upon exposure. Workers, including those in manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture, are at risk. Employers must minimize exposure through proper training, ventilation, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Employees should be proactive in managing their health by recognizing symptoms and using protective measures. Stay informed to breathe safely at work.

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Understanding Occupational Asthma: Causes, Prevention, and Control at Work

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  1. Occupational Asthma Breathing safely at Work

  2. Asthma • What is it? • What causes it? • How to control exposure • Recap Jane Hallett 2002

  3. What is Occupational Asthma? Some substances can cause allergies if you breathe them in. They are called sensitisers. They can cause permanent damage to your nose, throat and lungs. Jane Hallett 2002

  4. What is Occupational Asthma? Once sensitised, further exposure will result in asthmatic symptoms - • wheezing • coughing • tightness of chest • breathlessness • runny eyes & nose Jane Hallett 2002

  5. Isocyanates Animal antigens Anhydrides Paper dust Fluxes Metals Flour Wood dust Drugs Spray painters, foam & insulation workers Laboratory animal workers Plastic industry workers Librarians, bookkeeper, post office clerk Electronic workers Welders, metal plating workers Bakers, millers Carpenters, saw mill workers Pharmaceutical workers What Causes it? Jane Hallett 2002

  6. What Causes it?

  7. Employer Minimise Exposure Provide information Provide training Supply PPE Supply ventilation Comply with the law Employee Be aware of asthma Take care with substances Use PPE Maintain PPE Report symptoms How to Control Exposure Jane Hallett 2002

  8. Recap - Occupational Asthma • Caused by sensitising substances • Symptoms can occur randomly • Wheezing, coughing, breathlessness • Be aware of the problem • Use PPE & controls • Report any symptoms Jane Hallett 2002

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