Do You Have Work-Related Asthma?

An OSHA guide helps define work-related asthma, informs you why you should care and tells you what to do if you have asthma from work.

  • Jul 22, 2020

OSHA is helping workers figure out if they have work-related asthma and what they can do about it. If you have a cough, wheezing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath or chest tightness, you might have work-related asthma.

What is Work-Related Asthma?

OSHA says that work-related asthma is a lung disease caused or made worse by exposures to substances in the workplace. Common exposure to chemicals, dust, old, animals and plants often cause work-related asthma. Asthma symptoms can start at work or within several hours after leaving work and may occur with no clear pattern.

One of the most common group of chemicals that causes work-related asthma is isocyanates. OSHA is working to reduce exposures to isocyanates and has identified their use innumerous workplaces.

Ask your employer if there is a risk of exposure to isocyanates at your workplace.

Why Should You Care About Work-Related Asthma?

Work-related asthma may result in long-term lung damage, loss of work days, disability or even death. Luckily, an early diagnosis and treatment of work-related asthma can lead to a better health outcome.

What to Do if You Think You Have Work-Related Asthma

If you think you may have work-related asthma, see your doctor as soon as possible and take a copy of OSHA’s pdf with you.

It is important to note that OSHA's pdf is from 2014, however. Since then, OSHA (and other groups) have provided updated information about work-related asthma. Here are a few of the most recent resources for determining if you think you have work-related asthma or are exposed to hazardous materials, like diisocyanates, at work:

Medical Screening and Surveillance for Workers Potentially Exposed to Diisocyanates: A Guide for Workers

  • This guidance document was developed under an OSHA alliance as a resource for workers and specifically addresses potential adverse health effects due to diisocyanate exposure and the role of medical screening and surveillance in preventing these effects. (2019).

Medical Screening and Surveillance for Workers Potentially Exposed to Diisocyanates: A Guide for Employers

  • This guidance document was developed under an OSHA alliance as a resource for the employer and specifically addresses potential adverse health effects due to diisocyanate exposure and the role of medical screening and surveillance in preventing these effects. (2019).

A Guide for the Primary Care Physician in Evaluating Diisocyanate Exposed Workers for Occupational Asthma

  • This document provides clinical guidance for the physician asked to evaluate an individual who may potentially be exposed to diisocyanates at work.

Work-Related Asthma Quick Facts

  • work-related asthma can develop over ANY period of time (days to years)
  • it is possible to develop work-related asthma even if your workplace has protective equipment, such as exhaust ventilation or respirators
  • work-related asthma can continue to cause symptoms even when the exposure

Product Showcase

  • Glove Guard® Clip

    Safety should never be compromised, especially when it comes to proper glove usage. The Glove Guard® clip enhances safety by encouraging employees to keep their gloves with them at all times. This reduces the risk of accidents and injuries on the job. By ensuring everyone has their gloves readily available, we help promote a culture of safety and efficiency. The Glove Guard® clip is designed to withstand the toughest work environments. Constructed from robust materials made in the USA, it can endure extreme conditions, including harsh weather, and rigorous activities. 3

  • Kestrel 5400 Heat Stress Tracker WBGT Monitoring for Workplace Safety

    Ensure safety with the Kestrel® 5400 Heat Stress Tracker, the go-to choice for safety professionals and endorsed by the Heat Safety & Performance Coalition. This robust, waterless WBGT meter is ideal for both indoor and outdoor environments, offering advanced monitoring and data logging essential for OSHA compliance. It features pre-programmed ACGIH guidelines and alert settings to quickly signal critical conditions. Integrated with the cloud-based Ambient Weather Network, the 5400 allows managers to view, track, and log job site conditions remotely, ensuring constant awareness of potential hazards. Its capability for real-time mobile alerts and remote data access promotes proactive safety management and workplace protection, solidifying its role as a crucial tool in industrial hygiene. 3

  • The MGC Simple Plus

    The MGC Simple Plus is a simple-to-use, portable multi gas detector that runs continuously for three years without being recharged or routinely calibrated after its initial charge and calibration during manufacturing. The detector reliably tests a worksite’s atmosphere for hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, oxygen and combustible gases (LEL). Its durability enables the detector to withstand the harshest treatment and environments, hence earning it an IP 68 rating. The MGC Simple Plus is also compatible with a variety of accessories, such as the GCT External Pump. Visit gascliptech.com for more information. 3

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