Work-Related Asthma
Asthma narrows the airways and makes breathing hard. Some people develop asthma because of something they breathe at work, and others have asthma that gets worse at work. Both are called work-related asthma. Catching it early and reducing exposure can stop it from becoming permanent.
- All Workers
- Health
- Industrial
Two main kinds
- Occupational asthma: asthma that is caused by workplace exposures, in a person who didn’t have asthma before.
- Sensitizer-induced: after weeks to years of exposure, the immune system becomes sensitized, and then very small amounts trigger attacks.
- Irritant-induced: caused by a big exposure to a gas, fume or smoke (such as a chemical spill or fire) or repeated lower exposures.
- Work-exacerbated asthma: a person already has asthma, and workplace dust, fumes, cold air, exertion or stress make it worse.
Common triggers
| Source | Examples |
|---|---|
| Isocyanates | Spray foam, polyurethane paint and coatings, adhesives, auto body painting. See Isocyanates |
| Wood dust | Western red cedar, exotic woods, MDF. See Wood Dust |
| Flour, grains and animal dust | Bakeries, mills, farms. See Grain Handling |
| Epoxy and resins | Hardeners, flooring and coatings |
| Welding and metal fumes | Stainless steel, chromium, nickel. See Welding Fume |
| Cleaning and disinfecting products | Bleach, quaternary ammonium, aerosols, strong fragrances. Janitorial and healthcare workers |
| Latex and some chemicals | Powdered latex gloves, glues, solvents, hair-care products |
| Dust, smoke and fumes | Silica, mold, diesel exhaust, wildfire smoke, mist from metalworking fluids. See Silica, Diesel Exhaust and Wildfire Smoke |
Symptoms
- Wheezing, a whistling sound when you breathe out
- Coughing, especially at night or early morning
- Chest tightness or pain, and shortness of breath
- Runny, stuffy nose, sneezing or itchy eyes, which often come first with sensitizers
Clues that it’s work-related: symptoms start or get worse during the work week, get better on weekends, holidays or vacations, and return when you go back. Symptoms may start hours after leaving work, even at night. Some people only notice them after months or years on the job.
Don’t ignore a new cough or wheeze. Staying in the exposure after sensitization can lead to permanent asthma. Early action gives the best chance of recovery.
What to do if you have symptoms
- See a doctor and say what you do, what you work with and when symptoms occur. Ask if it could be work-related. A doctor who knows occupational medicine can help.
- Keep a symptom diary, and if the doctor suggests, record your peak flow readings with a meter several times a day, at work and away from it. A pattern can point to a work cause.
- Bring the SDS for products you use. See Safety Data Sheets.
- Tell your supervisor and ask to reduce exposure. Don’t wait until you’re very sick.
- Ask about your rights to a workers’ comp claim, a job change or accommodation. See Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim and Disability Accommodations.
- If you are told to keep using the exposure, ask for a written plan. You can contact OSHA if conditions are unsafe. See Worker Rights.
Never stop using prescribed asthma medicine without talking to your doctor. Keep your rescue inhaler with you, and call 911 for a severe attack: trouble speaking, blue lips or no relief from the inhaler.
Prevention: control the exposure
- Eliminate or substitute: use a product that doesn’t cause sensitization, such as low-dust, powder-free or water-based products. See Hierarchy of Controls.
- Enclose and ventilate: use local exhaust, enclosed systems and good general ventilation. See Ventilation.
- Control dust: use wet methods and HEPA vacuums, and avoid dry sweeping or compressed air. See HVAC for air handling, and Indoor Air Quality where relevant.
- Respirators help when controls aren’t enough, with fit testing and medical evaluation. See Respiratory Protection. Respirators don’t fix a sensitized person; reducing exposure does.
- Training and labels: know what you work with and how to handle spills. See Hazard Communication.
- Medical surveillance programs for isocyanates, flour and other sensitizers can catch problems early. See Medical Surveillance Requirements.
Employers
- Take reports seriously and investigate. Several cases in one area may point to an exposure problem.
- Reduce exposure, offer reassignment, and keep records. OSHA has no single asthma standard, but the General Duty Clause and substance-specific rules apply.
- Don’t punish workers for reporting symptoms. See Whistleblower Protection.
Asthma checklist
- I know which products on my job can cause asthma
- I report new cough, wheeze or chest tightness early
- I keep a symptom diary and see a doctor
- Controls, ventilation and the right respirator are in use
- I carry my rescue inhaler and know when to call 911
Standards & references
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