Occupational asthma

Up to 15 percent of adult asthma cases in the U.S. have job-related factors and account for approximately 24.5 million missed work days annually, according to Occupational Health & Safety magazine.

Occupational asthma is a lung disorder caused by inhaling fumes, gases, dust or other harmful substances. Symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, eye irritation, difficulty exercising and coughing.

Incidence of occupational asthma varies within industries. It is high in the detergent, spray painting, insulation installation and manufacturing industries, due to the prevalence of harmful enzymes and chemicals.

While occupational asthma occurs most frequently to workers with a personal or family history of the disease, “someone with no history can develop it if exposed to conditions that trigger it,” according to Dr. Michael C. Zacharisen, chairman of the American Academy of Allergies, Asthma & Immunology.

To prevent new cases, employers can pre-screen potential employees with lung function tests and retest them after they start. Work areas should be monitored so exposure to asthma-causing substances is kept at the lowest possible levels.