Occupational Asthma

Occupational asthma occurs when a person, at work, inhales a substance in the air that causes irritation to the airways. The symptoms of asthma develop as a result.

Typically, the symptoms improve in any period away from work (i.e. weekends and holidays) and worsen on return to work.

To establish the presence of occupational asthma, there must be a proven link between the inhaled agent and the development of the symptoms.

A latent period of time between the initial exposure and the development of symptoms is unique to the individual, and the diagnosis depends on this. The average latent period is 2 years, but can be as short as a few days, or much longer. The disease can occur in either people with no known allergies or people with a past history of allergies, asthma or sensitivity.

Common agents, which cause occupational asthma are:

Isocyanates (paint sprays).

• Flour (bakers).
• Epoxy resins (chemical workers).
• Persulphates (hair dressers) etc.