Asthma Triggers: Occupational

There are a wide variety of fumes, chemicals and other substances which can trigger asthma symptoms in the workplace. 

Ask yourself the following questions:

Did your asthma symptoms appear within weeks of starting your current job, or moving to a new area with your job?

Do your asthma symptoms regularly and predictably occur while at work or within a few hours of leaving the workplace?

Do you notice your symptoms improve on the weekends or when you are on vacation, and then get worse on returning to work?

Do other people at work have the same symptoms?

If you suspect you have occupational asthma, talk to your physician.

PREVENTATIVE MEASURES

There is no definitive list of risky occupations but here is a list of possible triggers linked to occupations:

  • Animals, insects and fungi:  poultry workers, entomologists, laboratory workers and veterinarians.

  • Chemicals:  aircraft workers, pulp mill workers, hairdressers, resin manufacturers, dye weighers, brewery workers, electronic workers and refrigeration workers.

  • Grains, flours, plants and gums:  bakers, chemists and farmers.

  • Isocyanates and metals:  car sprayers, boat builders, foam workers, TDI and refrigerator manufacturers, platinum chemists and refiners, printers, laminators and welders.

  • Drugs and enzymes:  Ampicillin, detergent and enzyme manufacturers, pharmacists and pharmaceutical workers.

  • Woods:  carpenters, millers, wood finishers, saw mill workers and machinists.



Number of physician office visits for allergic rhinitis: 11 million



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Allergy and Asthma Self-Quiz

If you or one of your family members are suffering from common allergy/asthma symptoms it's important to find out.

TOP 10 PRACTICAL TIPS FOR AN ALLERGY FREE HOME

1. Follow diligently, the home improvement tips in the allergies self help book*

2. Create a breathing OASIS – your bedroom

3. Allergy-proof encasings for your mattress & pillows

4. Consider air purifiers/cleaners

5. Installing a dehumidifier can eliminate mold and mites

6. Effective vacuuming with a HEPA or central system.

7. Prevent pet dander by pet removal or taking measures.

8. Furnace/filter and HVAC maintenance

9. Prevent chance of Anaphylaxis by food management & garden/yard insect control

10. With environmental control understanding- plan changes, be thorough & ensure disciplined maintenance.