OCCUPATIONAL ASTHMA

Allergic Occupational Asthma

Allergic Occupational Asthma is an allergic reaction to something in the workplace.
It might be a chemical or material.

With this type of asthma the symptoms are worse at work and better when off work or at home.
Some people may have few or no symptoms when they are off work.
Allergies develop over time, may be months or years, they are not an instant response.

The term latency period is the time from the first exposure to the development of asthma.

Non-allergic Occupational Asthma or
Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome (RADS)

This type of asthma is caused by a high exposure to a chemical that irritates the airway (e.g. chemical spill, leak or a fire).

This type of asthma usually develops quickly and symptoms often stay for a long period of time.
There is no latency period and this type is not an allergic reaction.

A diagnosis of RADS is based on the following criteria:

Clinical History

With occupational asthma a pattern usually develops that can show how symptoms are caused by something in the workplace.

This pattern may look like:

• Wheezing at the start of the work week can happen sometimes within minutes of starting to work or with in one to two hours
• Relief from wheezing after stopping work or after returning home
• The symptoms get worse or increase as the work week goes on, usually with relief over the weekends or after days off
• Sometimes symptoms that occur while at work may be worse late in the evening or may wake you up from your sleep during the night.
• Sometimes it is hard for a doctor to confirm this diagnosis because they only see the worker away from the work place, such as days of f or after some time of f work. Because symptoms are often less or gone the physician does not have proof to support a diagnosis of occupational asthma. It is very important to tell you doctor where you work, or if you think your asthma might be related to work

Assessing the Work Environment

It is important to take a detailed work history of the workers present and past employment. Sometimes it is hard to pin point the exact chemical or material that is causing the problem so many questions should be asked about what the workers uses at work as well as the workplace in general. Sometimes an occupational hygienist may visit the workplace to help identify hazardous chemicals. It is also important to see if any other workers are having the same symptoms. Symptoms among several workers in a specific area or may give a clue as to what is causing the problem.

Lung Function Testing

There are a couple of test used to help diagnose occupational asthma.

Pulmonary Function Test (PFT's)

Sometimes called a breathing test, this lung test is used to see how well your lungs are working. This test is done by taking a big breath and blowing forcefully and as quickly as possible into a device called a spirometer. The test can be used to show any lung disease or trouble in breathing that may have been caused by something in the workplace. This test can catch a problem that you might not be aware of yet if you are symptom free. It may also show a problem that cannot yet be seen on a chest x-ray. Results that reflect changes caused by the workplace should happen before a shift, after a shift or at the start or end of the work week.

Peak Flow Measurements

You might need to test lung function during a normal working day. The doctor will give you a small, machine called a peak flow meter and show you how to blow in it and record your results. The best of three readings is usually taken and noted ever y two hours between working and sleeping. It may take several days to establish a pattern.

 Substitute a material/chemical with a different one that doesn't cause allergic reactions.

Control exposures using engineering controls. Good, safe enclosures and local exhaust should be provided at all points where dust, vapors, gases and fumes are released. It is also important to know that engineering controls need regular care and should be tested often in order to prevent work hazards such as spills or leaks.

Provide training to employees on safe working and housekeeping methods to help prevent injuries.

Implement safe handling procedures and work practices. Showers and company laundered coveralls may be needed. This is important to protect workers who may be exposed.

Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to workers and train them on how to use it properly to help reduce illness and injuries.

Provide respirators if all of the options for controlling the dangers have been looked at and there is still a problem. All workers should be trained in how to use and care for their respirators.

Tell workers about the dangers in their work area and provide proper training on the safe ways to handle sensitizing materials.

Consult an occupational hygienist for help dealing with occupational asthma issues in your workplace.

Learn about the hazards in the workplace by talking to your health and safety agent

Follow safe work practices

Use PPE properly and consistently

Report any problems with equipment or ventilation systems

Participate in health and safety programs in your workplace

Be aware of the early signs of occupational asthma