Occupational asthma and asthma in the workplace
What is occupational asthma?
Doctors are still working towards an internationally agreed definition of occupational asthma, but asthma that is caused by exposure to substances in the workplace can be categorised into several different types.
- Sensitiser-induced asthma. Asthma that occurs in people who become sensitised to an allergen in the workplace over a period of time and then subsequently develop symptoms. The time taken for symptoms to appear may vary from weeks to years.
- RADS – Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome. Also known as acute irritant-induced asthma, this happens when people inhale so-called irritants, such as solvent vapours, that cause severe irritation in the airways, resulting in symptoms that are similar to asthma. With RADS there is no latent period before symptoms develop — symptoms usually develop after one very high exposure to the irritant.
- Work-aggravated asthma. Asthma that occurs in people with pre-existing asthma whose airways are irritated by exposure to substances (referred to as irritants) in their workplace. These could be substances such as dusts, fumes and vapours.
What are the symptoms of occupational asthma?
Occupational asthma is characterised by symptoms such as:
- wheezing and coughing;
- shortness of breath; and
- tightness of the chest.
These symptoms may be accompanied by inflammation of the eyes and nose.
Risk factors that may increase your susceptibility to occupational asthma, or make it worse, include smoking, and a family or personal history of asthma or allergy.
How do I know if I have occupational asthma?
If your asthma symptoms improve on weekends, holidays and other non-work days, you may have occupational asthma.
See your doctor for a proper diagnosis, and the development of a prevention and treatment plan. Your doctor may examine your work environment, conduct breathing tests, or perform skin or blood tests if your occupational asthma is suspected to be the result of an allergy. You may also be asked to monitor your peak expiratory flow (PEF) both at work and at home using a hand-held PEF meter.
What types of substances can lead to occupational asthma?
People that are particularly at risk of developing occupational asthma are those who work in jobs involving plastics, detergents, timber, animal products, chemicals, and plant products such as grains and flour.
Consequently, the risk of developing occupational asthma is highest in those who work as:
- hairdressers;
- pharmaceutical workers;
- animal handlers;
- timber workers, carpenters and cabinetmakers;
- bakers and millers;
- spray painters;
- chemical workers;
- nurses;
- welders; and
- food processing workers.
How can my occupational asthma be treated?
Early intervention by eliminating exposure to irritants and allergens in the workplace offers the best means of treating occupational asthma. The longer you are exposed to a substance causing occupational asthma, the worse your symptoms will become. Ideally, if you have occupational asthma, the diagnosis will be made early and you will avoid any further exposure to the agent causing symptoms.
For workers who have been exposed to triggering agents in the long-term, asthma may become a chronic condition, requiring treatment with medications such as corticosteroids just like ordinary asthma. Sometimes this medication needs to continue even after the exposure has stopped. If treatment with asthma medications is necessary, consistent reviews of and adherence to your asthma management plan are essential. Talk to your doctor about obtaining a written asthma action plan.
How do I make my workplace asthma-friendly?
You can help prevent occupational asthma by avoiding potential asthma sensitisers at work. In addition, avoiding known asthma triggers and irritants can help prevent workplace-aggravated asthma and avoid worsening pre-existing asthma. Here are some tips for making your workplace an occupational asthma-free zone and ensuring that you are prepared if you develop any form of occupational asthma.
- Encourage your colleagues not to smoke, and avoid smoking yourself.
- Make your employer aware of their responsibility to monitor the health of their employees where exposure cannot be eliminated, and to provide appropriate training and adequate supervision when hazardous substances are used.
- Wear a mask and protective clothing when dealing with substances that may be potential asthma triggers.
- Ensure your work area has a well-maintained ventilation system.
- Ensure you and your co-workers are educated about appropriate first aid measures if a colleague requires emergency care for asthma symptoms. Have a well-equipped asthma first-aid kit accessible at all times.
- Encourage your workmates to adhere to proper processes and procedures regarding dealing with asthma in the workplace.
- Report all of your health concerns immediately, and encourage others to do the same.
- If you have any concerns about the management and prevention of occupational asthma in your workplace, talk to Safe Work Australia, or your state or territory government occupational health and safety department.
Last Reviewed: 21 October 2009
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