When most people hear about asthma, they’re likely to think about children. Though asthma is usually diagnosed before a certain age, adults can develop the condition if they’ve been exposed to specific triggers. These triggers can lead to what is known as occupational asthma.
15 Asthma Triggers In The Workplace
1. Animal Dander and Insects
Animal dander is the term for the flakes that most animals shed from their skin. Occasional exposure can irritate your allergies but being around it for prolonged periods may lead to the development of asthma. Where insects are concerned, many of them excrete chemicals or waste that are irritants.
2. Chlorine-based Cleaning Products
Though chlorine is an effective cleaner, it can also irritate your respiratory system. It’s best to use them in a well-ventilated area but even then you can develop asthma from repeated use.
3. Cigarette Smoke
The chemicals in cigarette smoke can damage your lungs. In this case, the issue might be a co-worker that’s smoking so you’ll be better off avoiding them. However, secondhand smoke can also be a problem so you may need PPEs if you work in a shared space.
4. Cockroach Waste
Of all the insects, cockroaches can wreak the most havoc on the respiratory system. Their droppings and bodies can cause allergic reactions that evolve into asthma.
5. Cold Air
While cold air can trigger asthma attacks, it can also lead to the development of the condition. It’s best to avoid direct air blowing in your face and keep warm.
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6. Dust From Wood, Grain, Flour, Or Green Coffee Beans
Dusty conditions can irritate your lungs to the point of asthma.
7. Dust Mites
Along with the prevalence of dust, you can have an adverse reaction to dust mites. Regular cleaning can help but it’s not always enough.
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8. Gases Like Ozone
Ozone can be used for purifying air and drinking water, in industrial waste treatment, oils, bleaching, and making other chemicals. It can also significantly irritate your lungs.
9. Poor Indoor Air Quality
Constant humidity and the presence of mold can also lead to asthma in the workplace.
10. Irritating Chemicals
Chemicals like acids, isocyanates, acrylics, complex salts, and aliphatic amines are used in many industrial and healthcare applications. However, they can also make you sick.
11. Metal Dust
Whether it’s a part of the manufacturing process or a byproduct, metal dust can significantly irritate your lungs.
12. Pollen
If your environment has a lot of flowers or trees, the pollen they produce can allergic reaction that grows into asthma.
13. Strong Fumes
In some industries, the process produces fumes that are irritating enough to cause asthma.
14. Chemical Vapors
Vapors from chemicals like ammonia are considered to be irritants that can lead to occupational asthma.
15. Wood Smoke
You might think that wood smoke would be less irritating than cigarette smoke but that’s not necessarily the case. It depends on the type of wood, the confines of the environment, and how often you’re exposed to it.
Signs Of Occupational Asthma
The signs of occupational asthma may not always present in a way that you expect. Some people start with having congestion, runny nose, and itchy or watery eyes. Other symptoms you may experience are wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest. You may also notice that these symptoms improve or go away when you spend time away from work.
What To Tell Your Doctor
While the symptoms may start mildly at first, it’s important to let your doctor know how your body reacts to irritants if there’s going to be regular exposure. The best thing to do is document your symptoms and what may have caused them. You should also note if your symptoms worsen over time and get better when you’re not at work. Additionally, you should know that repeated exposure can mean that you no longer get relief from your symptoms so be sure to tell your doctor that as well. Finally, you should tell your doctor about any medications you take to manage your symptoms.
How To Deal With It At Work
You don’t necessarily have to wait for an official diagnosis to talk to your employer about the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Some industries will have PPEs as part of their protocols while others will only disburse them under special circumstances. However, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recognizes the triggers of workplace asthma and has recommendations for those who are dealing with it. It’s best to contact them about your specific triggers so you can guide your employer.
Once you have PPEs, you must wear them. Depending on your work environment, you may need to wear them all day or just when you’ll be exposed to the triggers. While using PPEs, you should bear in mind that they may need to be cleaned or changed regularly.
Anyone can develop occupational asthma based on where they work. Unless you’re able to switch jobs, your symptoms are likely to worsen the longer you’re exposed to the triggers. The best thing you can do is talk to your doctor quickly so you can get diagnosed and have a plan to work safely.
