Materiały źródłowe

• #1 Occupational asthma – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/occupational-asthma/symptoms-causes/syc-20375772

  Occupational asthma is a type of asthma caused by breathing in fumes, gases, dust or other substances while on the job. […] Avoiding triggers is important for managing occupational asthma. Treatment includes medicines that reduce symptoms. […] The best way to prevent occupational asthma is to control exposure to chemicals and other substances that are known to be irritating. Workplaces can set up controls to prevent exposures, use less harmful substances and provide personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers. […] Medicines may help relieve symptoms and control inflammation linked to occupational asthma. But you can do several things on your own to be healthy and lessen the possibility of attacks: […] If you are in the United States and you have a high-risk job, your company must follow rules to help protect you from harmful chemicals. Under guidelines from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), your employer is required to do the following: […] While at work, watch for conditions that may not be safe or healthy. Report concerns to your supervisor. If necessary, call OSHA at 800-321-OSHA (800-321-6742) and ask for an on-site inspection. You can do this so that your name won’t be revealed to your employer.

• #2 Occupational asthma: Management, prognosis, and prevention – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/occupational-asthma-management-prognosis-and-prevention

  Occupational asthma (OA) is a form of work-related asthma that is characterized by variable airflow limitation, airway hyperresponsiveness, and airway inflammation induced by immunologic or nonimmunologic exposures in the work environment. The management, prognosis, and prevention of OA will be reviewed here. […] The key element is to make the diagnosis and remove the subject from exposure as quickly as possible after the onset of symptoms, as a long duration of exposure is associated with a poor prognosis of the disease. Although asthma is persistent in the majority of subjects even after removal from exposure, OA may be cured in some cases if removal from exposure occurs early following onset of symptoms. The management of OA requires a combination of avoidance of further exposure to sensitizing agents, reduction in exposure to irritant agents (eg, environmental tobacco smoke, strong fumes and fragrances, extremes of temperature and humidity) and pharmacotherapy based on the severity of asthma.

• #3 Evidence based guidelines for the prevention, identification, and management of occupational asthma | Occupational & Environmental Medicine

  https://oem.bmj.com/content/62/5/290

  Occupational asthma is the most frequently reported work related respiratory disease in many countries. […] The guidelines aim to improve the prevention, identification, and management of occupational asthma by providing evidence based recommendations on which future practice can be based. […] The most important action to prevent cases of occupational asthma is to reduce exposure at source. Thereafter surveillance should be performed for the early identification of symptoms, including occupational rhinitis, with additional functional and immunological tests where appropriate. Effective management of workers suspected to have occupational asthma involves the identification and investigation of symptoms suggestive of asthma immediately they occur. Those workers who are confirmed to have occupational asthma should be advised to avoid further exposure completely and early in the course of their disease to offer the best chance of recovery.

• #4 Preventing Work-related Asthma | Work-related Asthma | CDC

  https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/asthma/prevention/index.html

  Minimizing exposure to work-related asthma triggers can help employees to be healthier. The following guidelines can help employers and employees develop and maintain a worksite safe from asthma triggers. […] The hierarchy of controls is a multi-faceted approach to eliminate or reduce workplace hazards. This approach includes the following: Eliminate hazardous processes or materials from work tasks. Substitute by using less hazardous processes or materials. Install engineering controls. Examples include isolating or enclosing processes or installing local exhaust ventilation. Implement administrative controls such as work practices, policies, and worker training. Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as respiratory protection. […] PPE should not be the sole method for protecting workers. Eliminate, substitute, and use effective engineering and administrative controls together with PPE.

• #5 Interventions for primary prevention of occupational asthma

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6478241/

  To evaluate the effect of interventions aimed at preventing the onset of occupational asthma among workers exposed to asthmagens in occupational settings. […] Primary prevention of occupational asthma is aimed at avoiding the insurgence of new cases of asthma caused by agents present in the workplace. […] The most straightforward way to achieve primary prevention is to remove or reduce exposure to asthmagens. […] The elimination or substitution of asthmagens is the most preferred way to prevent occupational asthma, although it may not often be practical. […] If elimination or substitution are not feasible, engineering controls could be used to reduce (or virtually eliminate) exposure. […] Administrative controls are often feasible but are less preferable than the previously cited measures.

• #6 Prevention of occupational asthma – PubMed

  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20424999/

  Prevention of occupational asthma related to a work-sensitizing agent ideally would be achieved by avoidance of exposures that cause immunologic sensitization and subsequent asthma. […] Additional measures include containment, use of robots, ventilation measures, exposure monitoring, and use of respiratory protective devices. […] Secondary prevention includes medical surveillance, which may involve periodic respiratory questionnaires, spirometry, and immunologic tests aiming to detect sensitization or disease early to allow intervention and improve outcomes. […] Education measures for workers to understand the meaning of work-related respiratory symptoms and appropriate workplace safety measures have not been formally evaluated but may also be expected to enhance protective measures and lead to earlier diagnosis. […] Tertiary prevention includes medical management and workers’ compensation.

• #7 Interventions for primary prevention of occupational asthma

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6478241/

  When it is not possible to control environmental exposure, personal protective equipment must be provided to workers in addition to specific training on their use. […] Apart from the hierarchy of controls, primary prevention of occupational asthma might also be achieved by excluding people with a high possibility of sensitisation from high risk jobs. […] Health monitoring during the working career could also play a role in primary prevention. […] Elimination of an asthmagen from the workplace or its substitution with a nonsensitising (nonirritant) or lesssensitising agent are ideal approaches, as these methods should implicitly determine the disappearance of cases of occupational asthma due to this specific asthmagen. […] Engineering controls might work by reducing, or virtually eliminating, the exposure to asthmagens (in the sense of their concentration), hence they should reduce the number and gravity of cases of occupational asthma. […] The introduction of administrative controls might reduce the duration of exposure to asthmagens, hence reducing workers’ cumulative exposure. […] When environmental exposure cannot be reduced, improving workers personal protective equipment, as well as training and education are recommended.

• #8 Interventions for primary prevention of occupational asthma

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6478241/

  To evaluate the effect of interventions aimed at preventing the onset of occupational asthma among workers exposed to asthmagens in occupational settings. […] Primary prevention of occupational asthma is aimed at avoiding the insurgence of new cases of asthma caused by agents present in the workplace. […] The most straightforward way to achieve primary prevention is to remove or reduce exposure to asthmagens. […] The elimination or substitution of asthmagens is the most preferred way to prevent occupational asthma, although it may not often be practical. […] If elimination or substitution are not feasible, engineering controls could be used to reduce (or virtually eliminate) exposure. […] Administrative controls are often feasible but are less preferable than the previously cited measures.

• #9 Driving the prevention of occupational asthma | Faculty of Medicine | Imperial College London

  https://www.imperial.ac.uk/medicine/departments/nhli/research/research-impact/driving-the-prevention-of-occupational-asthma/

  The risk of occupational asthma is related directly to the level of exposure in the workplace and not, as previously thought, to host susceptibility. […] Our findings led to a profound change in the approach to the prevention of occupational asthma with the focus of control primarily directed to the reduction of levels of exposure to the specific agents in the workplace. […] The findings of our research programme have led to a true paradigm-shift in understanding the determinants of occupational asthma and methods to prevent it; it is now universally accepted that exposure-control in the workplace is key to prevention. […] Each of these highlights exposure control as the primary means of reducing the risk of occupational asthma. […] Similarly, evidence-based (and award-winning) guidance, updated in 2010, on the prevention and management of occupational asthma for employers and occupational health professionals commissioned by the British Occupational Health Foundation places primary importance on workplace exposure reductions.

• #10

  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11882-010-0118-y

  Prevention of occupational asthma related to a work-sensitizing agent ideally would be achieved by avoidance of exposures that cause immunologic sensitization and subsequent asthma. […] Additional measures include containment, use of robots, ventilation measures, exposure monitoring, and use of respiratory protective devices. […] Secondary prevention includes medical surveillance, which may involve periodic respiratory questionnaires, spirometry, and immunologic tests aiming to detect sensitization or disease early to allow intervention and improve outcomes. […] Education measures for workers to understand the meaning of work-related respiratory symptoms and appropriate workplace safety measures have not been formally evaluated but may also be expected to enhance protective measures and lead to earlier diagnosis. […] Tertiary prevention includes medical management and workers compensation.

• #11 Occupational Asthma: Causes and Prevention | SafetyCulture

  https://safetyculture.com/topics/occupational-asthma/

  Always maintain cleanliness in your workplace to avoid any unnecessary buildup of dangerous and non-dangerous materials which not only increases the chances of occupational asthma, but can also pose other safety hazards to your employees and other people in the vicinity. […] If you can, avoid using common allergy-inducing substances in your workplace especially those identified to be hazardous to health. […] If hazardous substances can’t be avoided, ensure that the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used and that this is regularly observed and enforced by safety officers. […] Conduct regular inspections in the facilities to ensure that all protocols are being followed and practiced across-the-board, especially in areas where hazardous substances are present. […] Businesses must also take note of the possible solutions that OSHA has specified regarding the hazards associated with occupational asthma.

• #12 Primary prevention of latex related sensitisation and occupational asthma: a systematic review | Occupational & Environmental Medicine

  https://oem.bmj.com/content/63/5/359

  Substitution of powdered latex gloves with low protein powder-free NRL gloves or latex-free gloves greatly reduces NRL aeroallergens, NRL sensitisation, and NRL-asthma in healthcare workers. […] Substitution of powdered latex gloves with low protein powder-free NRL gloves or latex-free gloves promises benefits to both workers health and cost and human resource savings for employers. This message should be broadly disseminated beyond the hospital sector to include other healthcare settings (such as aged care facilities) as well as food service and other industries where latex gloves might be used.

• #13

  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11882-010-0118-y

  Prevention of occupational asthma related to a work-sensitizing agent ideally would be achieved by avoidance of exposures that cause immunologic sensitization and subsequent asthma. […] Additional measures include containment, use of robots, ventilation measures, exposure monitoring, and use of respiratory protective devices. […] Secondary prevention includes medical surveillance, which may involve periodic respiratory questionnaires, spirometry, and immunologic tests aiming to detect sensitization or disease early to allow intervention and improve outcomes. […] Education measures for workers to understand the meaning of work-related respiratory symptoms and appropriate workplace safety measures have not been formally evaluated but may also be expected to enhance protective measures and lead to earlier diagnosis. […] Tertiary prevention includes medical management and workers compensation.

• #14 AAIR :: Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research

  https://e-aair.org/DOIx.php?id=10.4168/aair.2019.11.2.188

  Systematic reviews and consensus statements have also advised primary prevention as the preferred method of prevention. […] Primary prevention for irritant-induced asthma would consist of preventing workers’ exposure to high-level irritant vapor, gases, dusts and fumes. […] Primary prevention of work-exacerbated asthma can include appropriate education and protection of workers who already have asthma (not induced by work exposure). […] Secondary prevention for occupational asthma comprises medical surveillance for early detection of affected workers so that early diagnosis and intervention can occur. […] Tertiary preventive measures comprise optimal treatment of those who have developed work-related asthma as previously discussed, in order to minimize impairment.

• #15 Preventing Work-related Asthma | Work-related Asthma | CDC

  https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/asthma/prevention/index.html

  Some employers might want to consider establishing a medical surveillance plan to monitor workers for asthma. Medical surveillance plans can help identify workers with asthma at earlier stages of disease. This can eliminate workers from exposure and prevent disease progression. […] Employees should pay attention to their work environment, especially those with breathing problems. Follow the steps below if you feel you have work-related asthma symptoms. Identify and avoid exposures to asthma triggers. Participate in your employer’s asthma surveillance plan, if available. Report new or worsening breathing problems to your doctor and the designated person at your workplace. Report if personal protective equipment or engineering controls malfunction to your supervisor or designated person. If you have asthma, take your medications as prescribed and regularly see your doctor. Get a flu shot every year and stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. If you smoke, talk to your doctor or employer about resources to help you quit smoking.

• #16

  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11882-010-0118-y

  Prevention of occupational asthma related to a work-sensitizing agent ideally would be achieved by avoidance of exposures that cause immunologic sensitization and subsequent asthma. […] Additional measures include containment, use of robots, ventilation measures, exposure monitoring, and use of respiratory protective devices. […] Secondary prevention includes medical surveillance, which may involve periodic respiratory questionnaires, spirometry, and immunologic tests aiming to detect sensitization or disease early to allow intervention and improve outcomes. […] Education measures for workers to understand the meaning of work-related respiratory symptoms and appropriate workplace safety measures have not been formally evaluated but may also be expected to enhance protective measures and lead to earlier diagnosis. […] Tertiary prevention includes medical management and workers compensation.

• #17 Prevention | American Veterinary Medical Associationmultiple-users-1information-circle

  https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2005-03-15/prevention

  Personal habits can also help control the risk of exposure. Laboratory veterinarians can reduce skin contact with animal products such as dander, serum, and urine by using gloves, laboratory coats, and approved particulate respirators with face shields. […] Because early intervention is critical to preventing long-term lung damage, veterinarians and others who work with animals should not only practice preventive measures in the workplace, but also be alert to both asthma and allergy symptoms. It is vital to seek medical care to receive a proper diagnosis and to determine the correct course of care. […] An article published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology underscores the importance of awareness and prevention. The article advises periodic medical screening and allergy skin testing of all laboratory animal workers, since 20 percent to 30 percent of workers suffering allergy symptoms will go on to develop true occupational asthma.

• #18

  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11882-010-0118-y

  Prevention of occupational asthma related to a work-sensitizing agent ideally would be achieved by avoidance of exposures that cause immunologic sensitization and subsequent asthma. […] Additional measures include containment, use of robots, ventilation measures, exposure monitoring, and use of respiratory protective devices. […] Secondary prevention includes medical surveillance, which may involve periodic respiratory questionnaires, spirometry, and immunologic tests aiming to detect sensitization or disease early to allow intervention and improve outcomes. […] Education measures for workers to understand the meaning of work-related respiratory symptoms and appropriate workplace safety measures have not been formally evaluated but may also be expected to enhance protective measures and lead to earlier diagnosis. […] Tertiary prevention includes medical management and workers compensation.

• #19 Occupational asthma – causes, treatment and prevention

  https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/occupational-asthma-causes-treatment-prevention-phil-kirk

  Alternatively, you could try and get allergens removed from your workplace or replaced with safer substances. […] Asthma UK has created a charter offering employers five steps to combat occupational asthma within their businesses: Understand the causes of occupational asthma and conditions that trigger symptoms of pre-existing asthma at work and take measures to protect workers. […] Introduce a programme of health surveillance and access to up-to-date information on preventing occupational asthma. […] Immediately investigate and diagnose, and provide symptom management and protection for people who develop occupational asthma. […] Train all employees so that they know what to do if a colleague experiences an asthma attack. […] Ensure employees understand how to avoid putting themselves and others at risk.

• #20 Occupational Asthma: Causes and Prevention | SafetyCulture

  https://safetyculture.com/topics/occupational-asthma/

  Occupational asthma is a lung disease caused by exposure to substances and other specific chemicals present in the workplace. […] The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard on occupational asthma highlights that documentation and general industry practices including the use of personal protective equipment and knowledge on toxic and hazardous substances are crucial in maintaining a safe working environment for employees. […] There are a lot of chemicals and substances present in every workplace that can cause occupational asthma. […] The following are some tips on how businesses can prevent or reduce the chance of occupational asthma in the workplace: […] The best defense from developing occupational asthma is to know your employees. […] Ensure that you let your employees know that they will be working with potential hazardous materials so they can identify if there are materials that they are particularly sensitive to, and also practice preventive measures on their own.

• #21

  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11882-010-0118-y

  Prevention of occupational asthma related to a work-sensitizing agent ideally would be achieved by avoidance of exposures that cause immunologic sensitization and subsequent asthma. […] Additional measures include containment, use of robots, ventilation measures, exposure monitoring, and use of respiratory protective devices. […] Secondary prevention includes medical surveillance, which may involve periodic respiratory questionnaires, spirometry, and immunologic tests aiming to detect sensitization or disease early to allow intervention and improve outcomes. […] Education measures for workers to understand the meaning of work-related respiratory symptoms and appropriate workplace safety measures have not been formally evaluated but may also be expected to enhance protective measures and lead to earlier diagnosis. […] Tertiary prevention includes medical management and workers compensation.

• #22 AAIR :: Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research

  https://e-aair.org/DOIx.php?id=10.4168/aair.2019.11.2.188

  Systematic reviews and consensus statements have also advised primary prevention as the preferred method of prevention. […] Primary prevention for irritant-induced asthma would consist of preventing workers’ exposure to high-level irritant vapor, gases, dusts and fumes. […] Primary prevention of work-exacerbated asthma can include appropriate education and protection of workers who already have asthma (not induced by work exposure). […] Secondary prevention for occupational asthma comprises medical surveillance for early detection of affected workers so that early diagnosis and intervention can occur. […] Tertiary preventive measures comprise optimal treatment of those who have developed work-related asthma as previously discussed, in order to minimize impairment.

• #23 Occupational asthma: Management, prognosis, and prevention – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/occupational-asthma-management-prognosis-and-prevention

  Occupational asthma (OA) is a form of work-related asthma that is characterized by variable airflow limitation, airway hyperresponsiveness, and airway inflammation induced by immunologic or nonimmunologic exposures in the work environment. The management, prognosis, and prevention of OA will be reviewed here. […] The key element is to make the diagnosis and remove the subject from exposure as quickly as possible after the onset of symptoms, as a long duration of exposure is associated with a poor prognosis of the disease. Although asthma is persistent in the majority of subjects even after removal from exposure, OA may be cured in some cases if removal from exposure occurs early following onset of symptoms. The management of OA requires a combination of avoidance of further exposure to sensitizing agents, reduction in exposure to irritant agents (eg, environmental tobacco smoke, strong fumes and fragrances, extremes of temperature and humidity) and pharmacotherapy based on the severity of asthma.

• #24 Occupational asthma: Management, prognosis, and prevention – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/occupational-asthma-management-prognosis-and-prevention

  Exposure avoidance is the cornerstone of management of immunologic OA. The most important intervention after identification of immunologic OA is prompt removal of the worker from further exposure to the sensitizing agent. Patients with OA generally have progressive deterioration in lung function if they remain in the working environment, and fatal cases have occurred among workers with ongoing workplace exposure to either high-molecular-weight or low-molecular-weight provocative antigens.

• #25 Occupational asthma – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/occupational-asthma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20375777

  The goal of treatment is to prevent symptoms and stop an asthma attack in progress. […] Avoiding the workplace substance that causes your symptoms is important. Once you become sensitive to a substance, tiny amounts may trigger asthma symptoms, even if you wear a mask or respirator. […] If you need to use a quick-relief inhaler more often than recommended, you may need to adjust your long-term control medicine. […] Also, if allergies trigger or worsen your asthma, you may benefit from allergy treatments. These treatments include medicines taken by mouth or with a nasal spray. Antihistamines help block some immune system activity that causes allergy symptoms. Decongestants help relieve a stuffy nose.

• #26 Occupational asthma: Management, prognosis, and prevention – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/occupational-asthma-management-prognosis-and-prevention

  Occupational asthma (OA) is a form of work-related asthma that is characterized by variable airflow limitation, airway hyperresponsiveness, and airway inflammation induced by immunologic or nonimmunologic exposures in the work environment. The management, prognosis, and prevention of OA will be reviewed here. […] The key element is to make the diagnosis and remove the subject from exposure as quickly as possible after the onset of symptoms, as a long duration of exposure is associated with a poor prognosis of the disease. Although asthma is persistent in the majority of subjects even after removal from exposure, OA may be cured in some cases if removal from exposure occurs early following onset of symptoms. The management of OA requires a combination of avoidance of further exposure to sensitizing agents, reduction in exposure to irritant agents (eg, environmental tobacco smoke, strong fumes and fragrances, extremes of temperature and humidity) and pharmacotherapy based on the severity of asthma.

• #27 Work and Asthma | American Lung Association

  https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma/managing-asthma/workplace

  Employers are responsible for providing safe work conditions, including healthy air. Although many laws have been passed to protect workers, problems with air quality on the job are often overlooked. […] If you are experiencing a breathing problem at work, encourage your employer to take steps to creating a lung-friendly workplace.

• #28 Occupational asthma – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/occupational-asthma/symptoms-causes/syc-20375772

  Occupational asthma is a type of asthma caused by breathing in fumes, gases, dust or other substances while on the job. […] Avoiding triggers is important for managing occupational asthma. Treatment includes medicines that reduce symptoms. […] The best way to prevent occupational asthma is to control exposure to chemicals and other substances that are known to be irritating. Workplaces can set up controls to prevent exposures, use less harmful substances and provide personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers. […] Medicines may help relieve symptoms and control inflammation linked to occupational asthma. But you can do several things on your own to be healthy and lessen the possibility of attacks: […] If you are in the United States and you have a high-risk job, your company must follow rules to help protect you from harmful chemicals. Under guidelines from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), your employer is required to do the following: […] While at work, watch for conditions that may not be safe or healthy. Report concerns to your supervisor. If necessary, call OSHA at 800-321-OSHA (800-321-6742) and ask for an on-site inspection. You can do this so that your name won’t be revealed to your employer.

• #29 Occupational Asthma

  https://www.uttyler.edu/about/news/announcements/occupational-asthma/index.php

  Farmers often encounter a myriad of respiratory hazards in their work environments, some of which have may cause work-related asthma and occupational asthma. […] In general, adequate ventilation in work areas where hazards are encountered in high concentration, can be very important to reduce the degree of respiratory illness. […] The best way to prevent occupational asthma is for workplaces to control the workers level of exposure to chemicals and other substances that may be sensitizers or irritants. Such measures can include implementing better control methods to prevent exposures, using less harmful substances and providing personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers. […] Under guidelines established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), your employer is required to do the following: Inform you if youll be working with any hazardous chemicals. Train you how to safely handle these chemicals. Train you how to respond to an emergency, such as a chemical spill. Provide protective gear, such as masks respirators. Offer additional training if a new chemical is introduced to your workplace. […] Under OSHA guidelines, your employer is required to keep a safety data sheet (SDS) for each hazardous chemical used in your workplace. While at work, be alert for unsafe and unhealthy working conditions and report them to your supervisor.

• #30 Occupational Asthma: Risks & Prevention

  https://doranandmurphy.com/blog/occupational-asthma/

  Work-related asthma can be prevented, according to the May 25, 2012 Center for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. […] Additionally, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) recognizes the serious problem of occupational asthma. OSHA also requires that employers conduct a hazard assessment of the workplace. The employer must provide protective equipment to the employees and instruct them on when and how to use the equipment. Employers must re-train the employees whenever there is a change in the equipment or work environment. This includes respiratory equipment and protection. In fact, OSHA requires all employers to have a respiratory protection program for employees that is updated whenever the work environment changes. As part of the program, employers must inform employees of respiratory hazards to which they are exposed regardless of how often they are exposed. Also, employers must provide access to physical examinations to exposed employees.

• #31 Is my asthma work-related? | Mass.gov

  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/is-my-asthma-work-related

  Remove substances that cause asthma, and replace them with safer materials. Eliminate hazards like tobacco smoke or mold. […] Ventilate using ventilation systems to remove hazardous substances. Maintain these systems to ensure good air quality. […] Provide respirators or masks to reduce exposures to hazardous substances. Respirators require medical approval, hazard assessments & training. […] Provide skin protection, such as gloves, aprons & face shields to protect against substances that can be absorbed through the skin & can cause asthma. […] Train employees about hazards and prevention. […] If your asthma is caused or worsened by work, you have the right to file for workers’ compensation.

• #32 Employers’ Guide to Occupational Asthma | The Society of Occupational Medicine

  https://www.som.org.uk/employers-guide-occupational-asthma

  Occupational asthma is a serious condition which can cause workers to be severely disabled; unable to continue in the normal jobs and sometimes having to be retired on the grounds of ill health. […] Occupational asthma is a preventable disease. […] Reducing airborne exposure levels reduces the incidence of occupational asthma. […] The best opportunity to reverse or improve occupational asthma occurs with early diagnosis, before lung function is too impaired and with early removal from further exposure to the causative agent. […] How is occupational asthma prevented? […] Assess exposure to substances which can cause occupational asthma. […] The most important measure is the primary prevention of occupational asthma by eliminating or reducing exposure to its causes at work. […] Where complete avoidance of exposure is not possible, employees should be redeployed to low or occasional exposure areas; however, while redeployment to a low exposure area may improve symptoms in some employees it is not always effective. […] The most important action to prevent cases of occupational asthma is to reduce exposure at source. […] Therefore, early diagnosis and early avoidance of ongoing exposure, either by substitution of the hazard or by redeployment of the employee offer the best chance of improvement or recovery.

• #33

  https://www.hsa.ie/eng/workplace_health/occupational_asthma_and_dermatitis/occupational_asthma_frequently_asked_questions/

  Health surveillance is used to detect the early onset or symptoms of asthma. It is deemed to be secondary prevention, (by detecting adverse effects early rather than total prevention) and not as effective as the primary prevention measures outlined above. […] The evaluation of a potential case of occupational asthma is usually best done by a specialist occupational physician or a specialist respiratory physician with an interest in occupational asthma or ideally both.

• #34 Occupational Asthma: Causes and Prevention | SafetyCulture

  https://safetyculture.com/topics/occupational-asthma/

  Always maintain cleanliness in your workplace to avoid any unnecessary buildup of dangerous and non-dangerous materials which not only increases the chances of occupational asthma, but can also pose other safety hazards to your employees and other people in the vicinity. […] If you can, avoid using common allergy-inducing substances in your workplace especially those identified to be hazardous to health. […] If hazardous substances can’t be avoided, ensure that the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used and that this is regularly observed and enforced by safety officers. […] Conduct regular inspections in the facilities to ensure that all protocols are being followed and practiced across-the-board, especially in areas where hazardous substances are present. […] Businesses must also take note of the possible solutions that OSHA has specified regarding the hazards associated with occupational asthma.

• #35 Occupational Asthma: Risks & Prevention

  https://doranandmurphy.com/blog/occupational-asthma/

  Work-related asthma can be prevented, according to the May 25, 2012 Center for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. […] Additionally, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) recognizes the serious problem of occupational asthma. OSHA also requires that employers conduct a hazard assessment of the workplace. The employer must provide protective equipment to the employees and instruct them on when and how to use the equipment. Employers must re-train the employees whenever there is a change in the equipment or work environment. This includes respiratory equipment and protection. In fact, OSHA requires all employers to have a respiratory protection program for employees that is updated whenever the work environment changes. As part of the program, employers must inform employees of respiratory hazards to which they are exposed regardless of how often they are exposed. Also, employers must provide access to physical examinations to exposed employees.

• #36 Occupational Asthma

  https://www.uttyler.edu/about/news/announcements/occupational-asthma/index.php

  Farmers often encounter a myriad of respiratory hazards in their work environments, some of which have may cause work-related asthma and occupational asthma. […] In general, adequate ventilation in work areas where hazards are encountered in high concentration, can be very important to reduce the degree of respiratory illness. […] The best way to prevent occupational asthma is for workplaces to control the workers level of exposure to chemicals and other substances that may be sensitizers or irritants. Such measures can include implementing better control methods to prevent exposures, using less harmful substances and providing personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers. […] Under guidelines established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), your employer is required to do the following: Inform you if youll be working with any hazardous chemicals. Train you how to safely handle these chemicals. Train you how to respond to an emergency, such as a chemical spill. Provide protective gear, such as masks respirators. Offer additional training if a new chemical is introduced to your workplace. […] Under OSHA guidelines, your employer is required to keep a safety data sheet (SDS) for each hazardous chemical used in your workplace. While at work, be alert for unsafe and unhealthy working conditions and report them to your supervisor.

• #37 Preventing Work-related Asthma | Work-related Asthma | CDC

  https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/asthma/prevention/index.html

  Some employers might want to consider establishing a medical surveillance plan to monitor workers for asthma. Medical surveillance plans can help identify workers with asthma at earlier stages of disease. This can eliminate workers from exposure and prevent disease progression. […] Employees should pay attention to their work environment, especially those with breathing problems. Follow the steps below if you feel you have work-related asthma symptoms. Identify and avoid exposures to asthma triggers. Participate in your employer’s asthma surveillance plan, if available. Report new or worsening breathing problems to your doctor and the designated person at your workplace. Report if personal protective equipment or engineering controls malfunction to your supervisor or designated person. If you have asthma, take your medications as prescribed and regularly see your doctor. Get a flu shot every year and stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. If you smoke, talk to your doctor or employer about resources to help you quit smoking.

• #38 Is my asthma work-related? | Mass.gov

  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/is-my-asthma-work-related

  Learn how to tell if your asthma is work-related, what you can do to prevent it, what resources are available to you, and more. […] If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may have Work-Related Asthma. […] Keep a record of your asthma attacks. Tell your doctor when your asthma gets better or worse. […] Learn more about the substances used at your workplace. […] Create an Asthma Action Plan with your doctor. […] Work-related asthma is asthma caused or made worse by work. […] Work-related asthma may be reversible, but permanent damage, or even death can occur if exposure continues. […] Federal safety laws require your employer to provide a safe & healthy workplace. […] Your employer should protect you by taking the following steps to make your workplace healthier.

• #39 Preventing Work-related Asthma | Work-related Asthma | CDC

  https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/asthma/prevention/index.html

  Some employers might want to consider establishing a medical surveillance plan to monitor workers for asthma. Medical surveillance plans can help identify workers with asthma at earlier stages of disease. This can eliminate workers from exposure and prevent disease progression. […] Employees should pay attention to their work environment, especially those with breathing problems. Follow the steps below if you feel you have work-related asthma symptoms. Identify and avoid exposures to asthma triggers. Participate in your employer’s asthma surveillance plan, if available. Report new or worsening breathing problems to your doctor and the designated person at your workplace. Report if personal protective equipment or engineering controls malfunction to your supervisor or designated person. If you have asthma, take your medications as prescribed and regularly see your doctor. Get a flu shot every year and stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. If you smoke, talk to your doctor or employer about resources to help you quit smoking.

• #40 Work and Asthma | American Lung Association

  https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma/managing-asthma/workplace

  Eliminate sources of unhealthy air. […] Use safer cleaning products whenever possible. […] Use safer chemicals and machinery. […] Avoid tobacco smoke. […] Make sure to see your healthcare provider as soon as you start having symptoms. Asthma can be controlled but requires two things: limiting or avoiding exposure to asthma triggers and using asthma medicines as prescribed by your doctor. […] Report respiratory symptoms immediately as well as breakdowns in ventilation and other protective equipment to your employer. Your co-workers also may be at risk. […] Your employer is legally responsible for informing you of general and specific hazards connected with your job. Your employer is also responsible for providing you with a safe and healthful workplace. […] Take care of your asthma. See your healthcare provider regularly, take medications as directed, and avoid environmental exposures that worsen your asthma.

• #41 Occupational Asthma: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9572-asthma-occupational–work-related-asthma

  The most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of occupational asthma is to avoid breathing in irritants. This might mean asking for a different assignment at work or changing jobs altogether, if possible. […] Other ways you can reduce your risk of an asthma attack include: […] Wear a respirator mask. If you cant avoid triggers, it might help to wear a mask thats approved to filter the substances youre working with. […] Work only in properly ventilated areas. Opening windows and doors can help, but may not be enough. Make sure theres a proper exhaust system if youre working with hazardous materials. […] Use substitutions for hazardous materials. Where possible, your employer may be able to use materials less likely to cause lung irritation. […] Check occupational safety and health standards. You can consult with your countrys or states occupational safety and health officials (like OSHA in the U.S.) to make sure your workplace meets their guidelines. They may also be able to make recommendations for a safer workplace.

• #42 Work and Asthma | American Lung Association

  https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma/managing-asthma/workplace

  Eliminate sources of unhealthy air. […] Use safer cleaning products whenever possible. […] Use safer chemicals and machinery. […] Avoid tobacco smoke. […] Make sure to see your healthcare provider as soon as you start having symptoms. Asthma can be controlled but requires two things: limiting or avoiding exposure to asthma triggers and using asthma medicines as prescribed by your doctor. […] Report respiratory symptoms immediately as well as breakdowns in ventilation and other protective equipment to your employer. Your co-workers also may be at risk. […] Your employer is legally responsible for informing you of general and specific hazards connected with your job. Your employer is also responsible for providing you with a safe and healthful workplace. […] Take care of your asthma. See your healthcare provider regularly, take medications as directed, and avoid environmental exposures that worsen your asthma.

• #43 About Work-related Asthma | Asthma | CDC

  https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/asthma/about/index.html

  Work-related asthma is asthma triggered by exposures at work. […] Avoiding triggers can prevent asthma from getting worse. […] The most important step of managing asthma is stopping or reducing exposure to triggers causing symptoms. Work with your doctor to develop a personal asthma control plan.

• #44 Preventing Work-related Asthma | Work-related Asthma | CDC

  https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/asthma/prevention/index.html

  Some employers might want to consider establishing a medical surveillance plan to monitor workers for asthma. Medical surveillance plans can help identify workers with asthma at earlier stages of disease. This can eliminate workers from exposure and prevent disease progression. […] Employees should pay attention to their work environment, especially those with breathing problems. Follow the steps below if you feel you have work-related asthma symptoms. Identify and avoid exposures to asthma triggers. Participate in your employer’s asthma surveillance plan, if available. Report new or worsening breathing problems to your doctor and the designated person at your workplace. Report if personal protective equipment or engineering controls malfunction to your supervisor or designated person. If you have asthma, take your medications as prescribed and regularly see your doctor. Get a flu shot every year and stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. If you smoke, talk to your doctor or employer about resources to help you quit smoking.

• #45 Occupational asthma – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/occupational-asthma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20375777

  The goal of treatment is to prevent symptoms and stop an asthma attack in progress. […] Avoiding the workplace substance that causes your symptoms is important. Once you become sensitive to a substance, tiny amounts may trigger asthma symptoms, even if you wear a mask or respirator. […] If you need to use a quick-relief inhaler more often than recommended, you may need to adjust your long-term control medicine. […] Also, if allergies trigger or worsen your asthma, you may benefit from allergy treatments. These treatments include medicines taken by mouth or with a nasal spray. Antihistamines help block some immune system activity that causes allergy symptoms. Decongestants help relieve a stuffy nose.

• #46 What’s New

  https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DEODC/OHB/WRAPP/Pages/WRAPP.aspx

  The California Work-Related Asthma Prevention Program (WRAPP) aims to identify industries, occupations, and exposures that put workers at risk for work-related asthma. By identifying and understanding the risk factors, we can find new ways to help employers and workers prevent work-related asthma. […] The Work-Related Asthma Prevention Program: […] Carries out worksite investigations to identify hazards and make recommendations for prevention. […] Distributes findings, recommendations, and health education materials to workers, employers, and many other audiences.

• #47 What’s New

  https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DEODC/OHB/WRAPP/Pages/WRAPP.aspx

  The California Work-Related Asthma Prevention Program (WRAPP) aims to identify industries, occupations, and exposures that put workers at risk for work-related asthma. By identifying and understanding the risk factors, we can find new ways to help employers and workers prevent work-related asthma. […] The Work-Related Asthma Prevention Program: […] Carries out worksite investigations to identify hazards and make recommendations for prevention. […] Distributes findings, recommendations, and health education materials to workers, employers, and many other audiences.

• #48 Work-Related Asthma – MN Dept. of Health

  https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/asthma/workplaces/index.html

  If exposures at work have caused the development of newly diagnosed asthma, it is referred to as Occupational Asthma (OA). Approximately 17% of all adult-onset asthma cases are related to occupational exposures. […] The best plan of action is to create a safe and healthy work environment to minimize exposure to allergens and/or irritants in the workplace. It is important that everyone in the workplace, including workers and employers, takes steps to maintain an asthma-friendly workplace. […] One approach to maintaining an asthma-friendly workplace is through the use of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Total Worker Health Program. The Total Worker Health (TWH) Program integrates workplace safety and health with activities that advance the overall wellbeing of workers.

• #49 Evidence based guidelines for the prevention, identification, and management of occupational asthma | Occupational & Environmental Medicine

  https://oem.bmj.com/content/62/5/290

  Occupational asthma is the most frequently reported work related respiratory disease in many countries. […] The guidelines aim to improve the prevention, identification, and management of occupational asthma by providing evidence based recommendations on which future practice can be based. […] The most important action to prevent cases of occupational asthma is to reduce exposure at source. Thereafter surveillance should be performed for the early identification of symptoms, including occupational rhinitis, with additional functional and immunological tests where appropriate. Effective management of workers suspected to have occupational asthma involves the identification and investigation of symptoms suggestive of asthma immediately they occur. Those workers who are confirmed to have occupational asthma should be advised to avoid further exposure completely and early in the course of their disease to offer the best chance of recovery.

• #50 The prevention of occupational asthma

  https://lirias.kuleuven.be/2369460?limo=0

  There is sufficient understanding of the causation of occupational asthma for preventive action to be appropriate. […] Prevention strategies should be concentrated on workplace-exposure controls, accompanied by intense educational and managerial improvements. […] None is entirely rigorous but each suggests that primary and secondary prevention are both feasible and highly effective. […] Considerably more cooperation between scientists in the field, regulatory authorities and industry is required.

• #51 Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health – Occupational asthma–time for prevention.

  https://www.sjweh.fi/article/1447

  Occupational asthma–time for prevention. […] For prevention, it is essential to ensure that important information not only reaches those who are responsible for designing and maintaining processes, but that it is presented in an intelligible form. Occupational asthma has become an important occupational disease that merits high priority. Recent achievements should facilitate preventive actions. However, prevention is a multidisciplinary enterprise needing the commitment of industrial hygienists and engineers, chemists, and allergologists, in addition to that of occupational health personnel.

• #52 Improving detection of work-related asthma: a review of gaps in awareness, reporting and knowledge translation | Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology | Full Text

  https://aacijournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13223-020-00470-w

  Work-related asthma (WRA) accounts for up to 25% of all adults with asthma. […] This will identify reasons for delays in WRA diagnosis, as well inform suggestions to improve knowledge translation strategies for dissemination and implementation of WRA prevention and management guidelines. […] While there are some prevention programs in place for certain industries, gaps in knowledge translation strategies including lack of screening tools currently available for WRA, poor education of employers and physicians in identifying WRA, and education of patients is often done post-diagnosis and focuses on management rather than prevention or screening. […] Future knowledge translation strategies should focus on educating employees and employers well before potential exposure to agents associated with WRA and screening for WRA in primary care to enable health care providers to recognize and diagnose WRA.

• #53 Improving detection of work-related asthma: a review of gaps in awareness, reporting and knowledge translation | Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology | Full Text

  https://aacijournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13223-020-00470-w

  Therefore, early detection and diagnosis of WRA is critical for good management and reducing the burden and morbidity of WRA, as delayed diagnosis is strongly associated with worse outcomes. […] If more occupational specialists or health and safety options could be provided, then workers might feel more comfortable talking about their symptoms and ultimately reporting and diagnosing their WRA earlier. […] Improvements are needed in knowledge translation of asthma research moving forward. It is recommended that future knowledge translation strategies focus on improving screening of the workplace and screening in primary care settings to identify potential WRA cases. […] Finally, it is recommended that studies involve the public, since communities prioritize meaningful outcomes from research.

• #54 occupational-asthma – Asthma Initiative of Michigan

  https://getasthmahelp.org/occupational-asthma/

  Diagnosing and preventing work-related asthmaFind out how work-related asthma is diagnosed, how it can be prevented, and what can be done about it. […] The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has developed a useful workplace asthma and allergy assessment tool. […] More information about how to screen for work-related asthma.

• #55 Occupational asthma: Management, prognosis, and prevention – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/occupational-asthma-management-prognosis-and-prevention

  Occupational asthma (OA) is a form of work-related asthma that is characterized by variable airflow limitation, airway hyperresponsiveness, and airway inflammation induced by immunologic or nonimmunologic exposures in the work environment. The management, prognosis, and prevention of OA will be reviewed here. […] The key element is to make the diagnosis and remove the subject from exposure as quickly as possible after the onset of symptoms, as a long duration of exposure is associated with a poor prognosis of the disease. Although asthma is persistent in the majority of subjects even after removal from exposure, OA may be cured in some cases if removal from exposure occurs early following onset of symptoms. The management of OA requires a combination of avoidance of further exposure to sensitizing agents, reduction in exposure to irritant agents (eg, environmental tobacco smoke, strong fumes and fragrances, extremes of temperature and humidity) and pharmacotherapy based on the severity of asthma.

• #56 Work-Related Asthma – MN Dept. of Health

  https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/asthma/workplaces/index.html

  Unless work-related asthma is diagnosed and managed early, it is likely to continue and can get worse. Work with your health care provider if you suspect you might have work-related asthma. Early detection and treatment can improve the quality of life and progression or development of the disease. […] MDH’s Asthma Program continues to collaborate with internal and external partner groups to improve education, prevention, and intervention methods around work-related asthma.

• #57 Employers’ Guide to Occupational Asthma | The Society of Occupational Medicine

  https://www.som.org.uk/employers-guide-occupational-asthma

  Occupational asthma is a serious condition which can cause workers to be severely disabled; unable to continue in the normal jobs and sometimes having to be retired on the grounds of ill health. […] Occupational asthma is a preventable disease. […] Reducing airborne exposure levels reduces the incidence of occupational asthma. […] The best opportunity to reverse or improve occupational asthma occurs with early diagnosis, before lung function is too impaired and with early removal from further exposure to the causative agent. […] How is occupational asthma prevented? […] Assess exposure to substances which can cause occupational asthma. […] The most important measure is the primary prevention of occupational asthma by eliminating or reducing exposure to its causes at work. […] Where complete avoidance of exposure is not possible, employees should be redeployed to low or occasional exposure areas; however, while redeployment to a low exposure area may improve symptoms in some employees it is not always effective. […] The most important action to prevent cases of occupational asthma is to reduce exposure at source. […] Therefore, early diagnosis and early avoidance of ongoing exposure, either by substitution of the hazard or by redeployment of the employee offer the best chance of improvement or recovery.

• #58 What is Occupational Asthma?

  https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/workplace/lung_disease_registry/toolkit/asthma.htm

  Occupational asthma is the most prevalent occupational lung disease in developed countries. Occupational Asthma (OA) is attributable to, or is made worse by, environmental exposures in occupational settings. Over 250 occupational agents are associated with OA. The diagnosis of OA is made by confirming the diagnosis of asthma and by establishing a relationship between asthma and an occupational setting. OA should be considered in every case of adult-onset asthma or asthma that worsens in adult life. It is important to recognize that this type of asthma is preventable and, if diagnosed early, may be partially or completely reversible if exposures are adequately controlled or stopped. […] The preliminary evaluation for OA should include a full clinical evaluation and completion of a full occupational and environmental history. The latter should include an employment history, history of temporal pattern of symptoms with respect to work, history of occupational and environmental exposures and symptom triggers, and if possible, objective verification of exposures. Early and accurate diagnosis of OA, accompanied by appropriate modification or cessation of exposures, is important in the treatment of the individual.

• #59 Occupational asthma | Health Library | Memorial Health System

  https://www.mhsystem.org/health-library/con-20375754/

  The longer you’re exposed to a substance that can cause occupational asthma, the worse your symptoms may become. Also, the longer you’re exposed, the longer it will take for symptoms to improve after exposure stops. In some cases, exposure to airborne asthma triggers can cause permanent changes to your lungs.

• #60 Work-Related Asthma – Lung and Airway Disorders – Merck Manual Consumer Version

  https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/lung-and-airway-disorders/environmental-and-occupational-lung-diseases/work-related-asthma

  Industries using substances that can cause asthma should have measures to control inhalational exposures as much as possible. However, complete elimination is often not possible. Continued exposure can lead to more severe and persistent asthma, underscoring the importance of early recognition of work-related asthma.

• #61 Occupational asthma: Management, prognosis, and prevention – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/occupational-asthma-management-prognosis-and-prevention

  Exposure avoidance is the cornerstone of management of immunologic OA. The most important intervention after identification of immunologic OA is prompt removal of the worker from further exposure to the sensitizing agent. Patients with OA generally have progressive deterioration in lung function if they remain in the working environment, and fatal cases have occurred among workers with ongoing workplace exposure to either high-molecular-weight or low-molecular-weight provocative antigens.

• #62 Occupational Asthma – Possible Solutions | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

  https://www.osha.gov/occupational-asthma/solutions

  The prevention of occupational asthma requires environmental interventions and medical management tools such as, patient education, demonstrating behavior changes to avoid asthma triggers, using drug therapies, and frequent medical follow-ups to treat and identify asthma patients. […] Describes ways to control dust from powder dye and handling operations to prevent occupational asthma. […] Lists the types of workers who are more susceptible to animal-related asthma, as well as methods for control. […] Contains information about preventing asthma or other respiratory diseases from employee exposure to diisocyanates. […] Provides an overview of farming hazards that can cause occupational asthma.

• #63 Occupational Asthma – ACAAI Patient

  https://acaai.org/asthma/types-of-asthma/occupational-asthma/

  If you experience wheezing, coughing, chest tightness or shortness of breath at work, you may have occupational asthma. […] People with this condition usually work around chemical fumes, dust or other irritants in the air. If you’ve been diagnosed with asthma that has another cause, it can be worsened by airborne irritants at work. If you have asthma and suspect that your workplace is causing or worsening your symptoms, your allergist can help you manage your disease. […] The prevention and treatment of occupational asthma requires environmental interventions, including education on behavioral changes to avoid asthma triggers, along with drug therapies and careful medical follow-up. Whether you can avoid the things that trigger or worsen your asthma at work will depend on where you work and what you do there. If you suspect that your asthma is caused by conditions at work or if it worsens at work, talk to your allergist, who may recommend steps you can take to distance yourself from triggers or reduce their impact.

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