Work-related asthma is a lung disease caused or worsened by an exposure to substances in one’s workplace. Exposure can occur from both inhalation and contact with the skin. Despite protective equipment at times, it is still possible to develop work-related asthma. Asthma symptoms may start while at work or within several hours after leaving. People who have never had asthma can develop asthma due to workplace exposures, and those who have had the condition may find that their asthma worsens. Work-related asthma may result in long-term lung damage, disability, and worse.
Common exposures include:
-Chemicals
-Dust
-Mold
-Animals
-Plants
Common products prone to instigate exposure:
-Polyurethane foam
-Paints, lacquers, ink, varnishes, sealants, finishes
-Insulation materials
-Polyurethane rubber
-Glues and adhesives
Common jobs/job processes prone to involve exposure:
-Car manufacture/repair
-Building construction
-Foam blowing/cutting
-Painting
-Truck bed liner application
-Foundry work
-Textile/rubber/plastic manufacturing
-Printing
-Furniture manufacturing
-Electric cable insulation
