2/991 OCCUPATIONAL ASTHMA Information gathered by: Barbara Donathan R. N. Nassau, Bahamas

2/992 WHAT IS ASTHMA? zAsthma is described as a disease that causes narrowing of the airways and constricted breathing. zThe usual symptoms of asthma include wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest etc., ranging in severity to a life threatening condition.

2/993 WHAT IS OCCUPATIONAL ASTHMA? zOccupational asthma is a form of asthma in which the symptoms are caused or aggravated by the workplace environment. Unlike other forms of asthma, occupational asthma is preventable and possibly curable if diagnosed early.

2/994 PREVALENCE OF OCCUPATIONAL ASTHMA zIt has been suggested that up to 15% of all asthma cases are at least partly work-related. In different communities the incidence of occupational asthma will depend primarily on the nature of industries in the area. zIn some industries up to 50% of all long-term workers have been found to suffer from work-related asthma.

2/995 WHO MAY DEVELOP WORKPLACE INDUCED ASTHMA? zCertainly not all workers exposed to irritant chemicals, fumes, dusts, allergens etc at their workplace will develop occupational asthma. A number of factors are known to increase the risk and these include: past history of asthma and/or allergy; family history of asthma; smoking; and low physical fitness. z

2/996 zOther factors such as respiratory infections and seasonal reactions to environmental allergens (pollens, mould spores) can make a worker more susceptible to the danger of air pollutants in the workplace

2/997 SOME OCCUPATIONS IN WHICH ASTHMAGENIC SUBSTANCES MAY BE ENCOUNTERED zAcid workers Bakers Beekeepers Blast Furnace Operators Boiler cleaners Brewery workers Cabinet makers Carpenters Cement manufacturers Chemical plant workers Chicken pluckers Chromium platers z Concrete workers Cork workers Cotton workers Cutting machine operators Demolition workers Drug manufacturers Dyers Edible oil workers Electricians Entomologists Farm Hands

2/998 SOME OCCUPATIONS IN WHICH ASTHMAGENIC SUBSTANCES MAY BE ENCOUNTERED zFarriers Fertilizer workers Fish shop workers Fishermen Fitters and Turners Food handlers Food process workers French polishers Furniture makers Furriers Grain farmers Grain handlers z Grinder operators Hairdressers Hard metals manufacturers Honey processors Insulation installers Insulation manufacturers Jewelers Laboratory technician Latex workers Librarian Market gardeners

2/999 Tips for Recognizing Breathing Hazards zEye irritation. If your eyes are itchy or stinging there is a good chance that there is something in the air causing it. zOdors. Caution - you can't always smell what is making your lungs react, but smelling chemicals, dusts, fumes or particulates is a good indication that there may be something harmful in the air.

2/9910 Tips for Recognizing Breathing Hazards (cont.) zVisible dust clouds or fumes. This often means your workplace is poorly ventilated. zChemical spills can often cause injuries and illness. Chemicals should be stored safely and your employer should have a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each chemical used in the workplace. The MSDS includes first aid information for use in case of an emergency. It may be necessary to wear protective clothing (possibly including a facemask), when cleaning up a workplace chemical spill

2/9911 What symptoms should you look out for? zThe symptoms start as  runny eyes and nose  itchy eyes and nose zand may develop into the more serious problems of asthma  breathlessness  wheezing  tightness of chest  coughing

2/9912 CAN YOU PREVENT OCCUPATIONAL ASTHMA? zTo reduce the likelihood of damaging your lungs you can do the following:  Avoid long exposure  Follow safety rules  Practice good personal habits ie washing up  Keep your workplace clean  Ensure good ventilation  Use respiratory protection - e.g. masks  Don't smoke  Report symptoms and signs of danger

2/9913 What preventative measures can be taken in the workplace? zSubstitution of a sensitizing agent in the workplace is a measure that should always be considered, although it is often not possible. zEngineering and ventilation control measures are the next option, but depending on the work process these measures cannot always eliminate the hazard.

2/9914 What preventative measures can be taken in the workplace? zRespiratory protection for some processes such as spray painting is required under the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations. Such protection may be required because other control measures are not practicable due to the type of work process. The type of respirator needed varies with the task, and expert advice should be obtained.

2/9915 Occupational Asthma Checklist zRemember, if you have trouble with wheezing, coughing or shortness of breath at work, you could have occupational asthma:  Consult your physician. He or she may suggest a pulmonary function test.  See your work supervisor for details about potential hazards in your work environment.  Have the tests and evaluation required to prove the suspected occupational asthma and its cause.  Seek your physician's advice about therapy for occupational asthma.