Work Related Occupational Asthma

Causes

Occupational asthma is caused by exposure to allergens or irritants whilst at work.

Allergens include;

• Exposure to dust most commonly flour, grain, poultry or animal dusts
• Exposure to animal fur, skin or saliva
• In healthcare settings, latex and particles from surgical techniques.

Irritants include;

• Chemicals such as bleach used in salons or car spray paints
• Wood dust
• Fumes from engineering, electronic or metal work, chlorine in indoor pools and adhesives