Work-Related Asthma and Resources to Identify Environmental Triggers

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) describes work-related asthma as asthma triggered by exposures at work. The agency reports that there are over 300 known substances in the workplace that can cause or worsen asthma.

Symptoms of work-related asthma are the same as those for non-work-related asthma, and may include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. NIOSH warns that asthma symptoms can come and go, and some workers might not have all the symptoms. Symptoms can develop shortly after an exposure; however, they can also develop months or years after repeated exposures to harmful substances.

Exposure to various irritants, allergens, and physical conditions could act as work-related asthma triggers. Some examples listed by NIOSH include:

•                      Animal dander, insects, and dust mites

•                      Chlorine-based cleaning products

•                      Cigarette smoke

•                      Materials from cockroaches

•                      Cold air

•                      Dust from wood, grain, flour, or green coffee beans

•                      Gases such as ozone

Additional examples of triggers shared by the agency include irritant chemicals, metal dust, physical exertion, pollen and plants, strong fumes, vapors from chemicals (e.g., ammonia, isocyanates, and solvents), and wood smoke.

“Employers are required by the OSH 1970 Act to provide a workplace free from serious recognized hazards. But, when it comes to asthma triggers, it is often difficult for employers to identify and mitigate hazards, since the triggering compound and the concentration needed to induce adverse health effects vary per individual,” said Derrick A. Denis, Senior Vice President for Clark Seif Clark. “At CSC, our indoor air quality and industrial hygiene professionals are dedicated to helping companies and institutions identify and limit exposure risks from environmental asthma triggers. This is accomplished with a holistic approach that can include visual assessment and testing for allergens in the workplace. These vary by site, but can include a wide array of chemical and microbial asthma triggers, allergens, and respiratory irritants. Armed with data, we can tailor site-specific mitigation strategies to reduce exposure risk with tools like training, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE).”

CSC recently sponsored an educational video about work-related asthma and occupational exposure risks that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/LQqs8MY82Ns

To learn more about this or other air quality, environmental, health, and safety testing, training, and consulting services, please visit www.csceng.com, email csc@csceng.com, or call 800-807-1118. 

About Clark Seif Clark, Inc. (CSC)

Since 1996, CSC has helped clients in both the public and private sectors address indoor air quality, occupational health, and environmental, health, and safety (EH&S) issues. CSC is a leading provider of these services with multiple offices along the western seaboard and southwest. The company believes in science-based protocols and has a strong background in engineering, making them the preferred environmental consultants to industrial clients, healthcare facilities, architects, schools, builders, contractors, developers, and real estate professionals.