How to Prevent Work-Related Asthma

Certain workplace chemicals or agents put workers at a higher risk for developing occupational asthma. Asthma symptoms include difficulty breathing, tightness of the chest, coughing and wheezing, and when work-related, are often worse on work days than on days off. Exposure to an agent in the workplace causes occupational asthma or respiratory sensitization. Meanwhile, work-aggravated asthma occurs when factors at work worsen the condition of someone who already has asthma. The best way to prevent all work-related asthma is to eliminate or reduce exposure to any agents that are known to cause it. According to CCOHS, employers should eliminate all asthma-causing agents from the workplace and should not only provide PPE like respirators but also train employees on how to use and store them. Employees can, in turn, follow safe work practices, policies and procedures, as well as attend training courses on work-related asthma and occupational health and safety. For more information, visit The Asthma Society of Canada, call the Allergy and Asthma Education Support Program (1-866-787-4050) or register for free webinars from CCOHS. Read the OSH Answers Fact Sheet on Occupational Asthma for a detailed chart of causal agents and related occupations at risk.