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occupational asthma
HSE estimates that each year between 1,500 and 3,000 people in Great Britain develop occupational asthma. This rises to 7,000 cases a year if you include asthma made worse by work (work-related asthma). The cost to society is estimated to be up to £1.1 billion over 10 years. Asthma can ruin lives. Some sufferers become so disabled they cannot work again.
SymptomsAsthma is a serious health problem that blights many thousands of lives every day. Typical symptoms include a severe shortness of breath which is completely debilitating. Asthma restricts much physical activity. Sufferers often cannot easily carry shopping and walking up the stairs might only be undertaken with difficulty. Some sufferers are unable to work again. Other symptoms include:
Asthma symptoms can develop immediately after exposure to a workplace substance in which case it is relatively easily detectible but on occasion symptoms might not become apparent until several hours later, possibly at night. For this reason, links to workplace activities and substances might not be immediately apparent and the source of the condition might remain undiagnosed. Other associated conditions are:
View a movie regarding asthma's symptoms on the Asthma Society website Occupational asthmaOccupational asthma is an allergic reaction that some people have when they are exposed to substances, for example flour or wood dust in the workplace. These substances are called 'respiratory sensitisers' or asthmagens. They can cause a change in people’s airways, known as the 'hypersensitive state'. Not everyone who becomes sensitised goes on to get asthma. But once the lungs become hypersensitive, further exposure to the substance, even at quite low levels, can trigger an attack. The known causes of occupational asthma are set out in Section C of HSE's Asthmagen Compendium [PDF 1.6MB] and this should be a reference point for you to check whether the substances you work with might be the cause of your condition. However it is a weighty volume and you may wish to check the summary list of substances first. Also be certain to check the product labels and safety data sheets for the risk phrase R42 ‘May cause sensitisation by inhalation’ which indicates a product has an asthma risk. Work-related asthmaWork-related asthma or asthma made worse by work is broader and includes substances in the workplace that irritate the airways of individuals with pre-existing asthma. This includes people who have had asthma since childhood. Respiratory irritants may trigger attacks in those with occupational asthma or pre-existing asthma. Examples include chlorine, general dust and even cold air. At-risk occupationsThe following occupations are known to be particularly likely to cause occupational asthma or trigger attacks in those with a pre-existing condition. Tips about how to counter the risk can be obtained by following the appropriate link:
Asthma faqWhat is occupational asthma?Occupational asthma is a disease in which people become allergic to something they breathe in at work. The substances that cause it are called ‘respiratory sensitisers’ or asthmagens. The lungs of people with occupational asthma change and enter what is called a ‘hypersensitive state’. Once in this state, exposure to even low levels of an asthmagen may trigger an attack. Symptoms include wheezing, a tight chest or feeling breathless. If you think your symptoms are caused by something at work seek advice from your occupational health adviser or your GP. How do you get it?You may be breathing in substances at work, which over weeks, months or years can lead to your airways becoming damaged, making you breathless or wheezy. Most cases of occupational asthma occur as a result of exposure to the following substances:
What is the difference between occupational asthma and asthma made worse by work?Occupational asthma is asthma that has been caused by exposure to a substance at work, e.g. flour dust. Many people have asthma for other reasons and may have had it all their life. For people who already have asthma, exposure to substances at work can make their asthma worse than before. For these people, controlling exposure at work will ease their symptoms but won’t prevent asthma attacks. Just how dangerous is it?Perhaps 1 in 10 cases of adult asthma is caused by work. The disease can ruin your health by restricting your ability to breathe. There are an estimated 1,500 to 3,000 new cases of occupational asthma each year. It is the most commonly reported occupational respiratory disease in Great Britain. But, if spotted early, complete recovery is possible. Does this really matter?Occupational asthma ruins lives and costs society up to £1.1 billion over 10 years. It is important that we learn from past cases so that workers and their families can avoid the pain and suffering caused by this disease. What will happen to me when I tell my employer I have asthma symptoms because of work?Your employer has a duty to protect your health at work. All employees exposed or liable to be exposed to a substance that may cause occupational asthma should be under suitable health surveillance. If you have symptoms your employer should refer you to an occupational health specialist. The employer will need to discover whether, and if so how, you are getting the asthma through work and alter the way the job is done to protect you from any further 'exposure'. Collecting simple information may lead to early signs of ill health and may identify the need for improved control measures, see the specific trades page for more details. Can I continue to do my present job?If your symptoms are at an early stage and your employer can reduce your exposure, you may be able to continue in your job and not have any problems. You certainly don't always have to leave your job. It is important that the cause of your asthma is controlled so that you do not get any worse. Some jobs may require the use of respiratory protective equipment to control exposure. However, depending on how bad your symptoms are, it may be appropriate to remove you from the problem area and to give you work elsewhere. If you become a severe asthmatic it may be necessary to take early retirement on health grounds. What about compensation?
You may be entitled to Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit. The necessary form is available. We can help you complete it.
Where do I find out about the things that cause occupational asthma?You should seek medical advice through your occupational health adviser or GP if you have any of the following symptoms: wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. Can I be cured?You really need to be diagnosed with the disease within the first six months. Early removal from exposure can lead to a complete recovery. Once you have occupational asthma, exposure to any airborne irritant may trigger an attack. Where can I get support?If you have any queries on occupational asthma or work-related asthma, your first point of contact should be HSE's Infoline. You may also wish to contact your union or a voluntary advice association for support. Asthma UK has an Asthma Helpline run by trained nurses - 08457 010203. If you need assistance with a claim, contact injurywatch.co.uk's free, confidential legal claim support helpdesk. |
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