Asthma and your occupation:

Approximately 15 percent of adults with asthma experience occupational asthma. Occupational asthma is a type of asthma caused by exposure to inhaled irritants in the workplace. Occupational asthma is often a reversible condition, which means the symptoms may disappear when the irritants that caused the asthma are avoided. However, permanent damage can result if the person experiences prolonged exposure. Examples of workplace irritants include:

•    dusts
•    gases
•    fumes
•    vapors

What substances cause occupational asthma?

Although new substances are developed every day that may cause occupational asthma, some known airborne irritants in the workplace include:

Irritant	Examples	Type of occupations/ environments at risk
chemical dusts and vapors	isocyanates, trimellitic anhydride, phthalic anhydride	manufacturers of foam mattresses and upholstery, insulation, packaging materials, plasticizers, polyurethane paint
animal substances	bacterial dusts, dander, hair, mites, protein dusts, small insects	farmers, animal handlers, kennel workers, jockeys, veterinarians,
organic dusts	cereals, coffee, flour, grains, tea	millers, bakers, and other food processors
cotton, flax, and hemp dust	dusts from cotton and textile industry	cotton and textile workers
metals	chromium, nickel sulfate, platinum, soldering fumes	manufacturers of metals and refineries

Treatment for occupational asthma:

Treatment for occupational asthma usually includes avoiding the substance that triggers the asthma attack or symptoms. Persons with occupational asthma should also avoid inhaling gases such as chlorine, or nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, as these substances can make asthma symptoms more severe. Other treatment may include medications to control the asthma. If the occupational asthma is advanced, treatment may also include:

•    medications
•    physical therapy
•    breathing aids