OCCUPATIONAL ASTHMA

Workers in various occupations are sometimes exposed to airborne substances that can cause asthma symptoms to occur in individuals who are sensitive to them.  These airborne substances are generally common and not usually considered to be hazardous. Workers who do develop breathing issues in the workplace most often have a personal or family history of allergic asthma.  Occupational asthma may become suspected when respiratory symptoms are more frequent and severe at work than they are in other daily environments.  As new products are manufactured, new substances are identified as potential triggers for asthma attacks. Changes in workplace manufacturing processes, ventilation, and hygiene have helped diminish pollutant concentration and reduce the numbers of affected workers.

P.S. To assess the presence of occupational asthma, an allergist can perform lung function tests to calibrate air flow before and after work. 

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