Workplace asthma: awareness, action, accountability

Let us now discuss Occupational Asthma! What is Occupational Asthma? It is a respiratory condition caused or worsened by exposure to substances in the workplace. 

It can lead to significant health issues, absenteeism, and decreased productivity if not addressed. 

Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness—often worsening during the workweek and improving on weekends or holidays.

What are the Common Workplace Triggers by Setting?

  1. Manufacturing & Industrial Settings:

Chemicals (solvents, isocyanates, metal fumes, Dust (wood, flour, textile fibers), Welding fumes and gases.

  1. Healthcare Settings:

Latex (gloves, medical equipment), Cleaning and disinfecting agents, Medication aerosols (e.g., antibiotics, enzymes).

  1. Office Environments:

Mold from poor ventilation, Cleaning products and air fresheners, Indoor air pollutants (dust, carpet fibers).

  1. Food Industry:

Flour and grain dust, Enzymes used in baking, Cleaning chemicals

  1. Agricultural & Animal Handling:

Animal dander, Pesticides and fertilizers, Organic dusts (hay, grain, animal feed)

What are the Employer’s Responsibilities & Practical Steps regarding this subject matter?

  1. Hazard Identification
  • Conduct regular risk assessments for respiratory irritants and allergens
  • Work with occupational health specialists to identify specific triggers in your environment
  1. Control Measures
  • Install and maintain proper ventilation systems
  • Use dust suppression techniques (e.g., wet methods, local exhaust ventilation)
  • Substitute hazardous substances with safer alternatives where possible
  1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Provide appropriate respiratory PPE (e.g., masks, respirators)
  • Ensure PPE is properly fitted, maintained, and used consistently
  1. Employee Education and Training
  • Educate staff about the risks of occupational asthma and symptom recognition
  • Train workers on safe handling of chemicals and the importance of PPE
  1. Health Surveillance
  • Encourage prompt reporting of symptoms
  • Facilitate regular medical check-ups and lung function tests (e.g., spirometry)
  • Refer employees for allergy testing when appropriate
  1. Support and Accommodation
  • Modify tasks or relocate affected workers to low-exposure areas when needed
  • Support access to medical care and ensure confidentiality
  • Collaborate with occupational health providers for tailored care plans

Why does it matter to know management of occupationl asthma?

Failing to manage occupational asthma can result to increased absenteeism and turnover, decreased morale and productivity, potential legal and compensation claims. 

Let us remember that early identification and prevention protect both your employees’ health and your organization’s operational stability.

So all of us should be conscious  of the ways to create a workplace that breathes easy—for everyone.