Your Work and Your Health
Occupational asthma - the employees' perspective
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is occupational asthma?
- What are the symptoms?
- Which substances can cause occupational asthma?
- What should I be looking out for as signs that I have developed occupational asthma?
- What should I do if I suspect I have occupational asthma?
- If I have developed occupational asthma am I entitled to compensation?
- Can my employer sack me because I've got asthma?
- Is there a cure for occupational asthma?
- Will my asthma get worse if I stay in my job?
- Where can I get help and advice?
Occupational asthma is a condition where there is a breathing problem
or chest tightness caused by substances that you might come across at
work. The condition can take weeks, months or even years to develop, depending
on the person and the substance.
Symptoms to look out for include wheezing, chest tightness or breathlessness.
If you think that asthma has been caused by something at work, look out
for these clues:
(a) Your symptoms are worse during the working week, though not necessarily
at work itself. Your symptoms may get worse after work, or you may find
your sleep is disturbed.
(b) Symptoms may improve or get better when you have been away from work
for several days or on holiday.
Which substances can cause occupational asthma?
Substances that can cause asthma are called respiratory sensitisers, below is a list of the most common ones and jobs where you are most likely to encounter them:
- Dust from latex rubber - any job involving latex gloves, such as nursing or dentistry;
- Laboratory work;
- Farm work or work with shellfish;
- Dust from flour or grain - industrial baking, farm work and grain transport;
- Wood dust, particularly from hard wood dusts and western red cedar - carpentry, joinery and saw milling;
- Chemicals called isocyanates are the most common cause of occupational asthma in the UK - there are many jobs in which you might be exposed to these chemicals, particularly spray painting, foam moulding, using adhesives and making foundry cores and surface coatings;
- Colophony - this is present in soldering fumes but also in glues and floor cleaners - electronics industry.
Further information about the causes of occupational asthma can be found on the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE's) website at www.hse.gov.uk/asthma/maincauses.htm. HSE also publishes a list of over 200 respiratory sensitisers, known as the Asthmagen Compendium. This list is not exhaustive and is updated regularly.
What should I be looking out for as signs that I have developed occupational asthma?
Symptoms of asthma, whatever the cause, can include attacks of wheezing/whistling when you breath in and out, coughing, chest tightness or a feeling of breathlessness. The signs and symptoms can develop immediately after exposure, but sometimes appear several hours later, possibly at night, and so any link with workplace activities may not be obvious.
Symptoms may also vary across the working shift or week, usually worsening
towards the end of the week with symptoms improving over a few days off
work, on weekends or holidays. Other associated signs and symptoms are
rhinitis (sneezing/runny nose) and/or conjunctivitis (itchy and inflamed
red eyes). If occupational asthma is identified early enough and appropriate
action is taken, there is a good chance that the symptoms will decrease
and in many cases disappear.
What should I do if I suspect I have occupational asthma?
First of all, you should see your doctor straight away. If they suspect you have developed occupational asthma they should refer you to a specialist at the hospital.
If occupational asthma is confirmed, your doctor should, with your consent
advise your employer to relocate you away from the respiratory sensitiser.
Having occupational asthma does not always mean you have to leave your
job. You can talk to your employer about alternative options that may
be available. If leaving work is the only option you may be able to claim
for compensation (there is more information on compensation below).
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If I have developed occupational asthma am I entitled to compensation?
If you have developed asthma as a result of your work you should inform the following people:
- Your GP - he can document this in your medical records and make the appropriate referrals;
- Your manager or safety officer - for documentation in the workplace accident book;
- Your union representative - they may be able to help with your compensation claim if your employer is at fault.
For advice about making a claim for industrial injuries disablement benefit
please click
here.
HSE also produce a booklet (NI 237) that lists agents that are known to
cause occupational asthma Asthmagen
Compendium.
Can my employer sack me because I've got asthma?
No, the disability discrimination act suggests that sacking you because you have a medical condition is unfair. Health and safety laws should protect anyone with asthma who wants to work. If the worst does happen, seek advice from your union representative. The Citizens Advice Bureau can also help you take your case to an industrial tribunal.
Is there a cure for occupational asthma?
No, but it can be prevented if you or your doctor detect the symptoms early enough and avoid the agent causing signs and symptoms. If you already have asthma you can control it by taking the right medication and avoiding your triggers.
Will my asthma get worse if I stay in my job?
Yes, almost certainly, if your job exposes you to your respiratory sensitiser. Your chances of recovery are much better if your exposure to the respiratory sensitiser stops within one year of your first symptoms.
Your employer should try to help by changing the way your work so you
can carry on without further exposure, either by eliminating or substituting
the agents or relocating you in another of your workplace. Your employers
may also wish to consider issues such as ventilation and protective wear.
Where can I get help and advice?
There are many sources of help and advice that are available to you for free. Asthma UK (formerly National Asthma Campaign) has an asthma helpline manned by trained nurses, and can be contacted on 08457 010203. They also have a detailed website, www.asthma.org.uk. You can also obtain information and guidance from the Health and Safety Executive, who publish a lot of good clear advice about how to prevent occupational asthma. In addition there are medical inspectors who can give advice to your employer and ensure that your employer is obeying the law.
Some contacts for information booklets or telephone advice are:
- HSE Helpline, tel. 08701-545500, to ask where to obtain free copies of advice sheets and booklets;
- HSE Books, tel. 01787 88 11 65;
- HSE Information Centre, Stanley Precinct, Bootle, Merseyside, L20 3QZ;
- HSE website, www.hse.gov.uk.
In addition trade unions can often give information and support. They can also provide someone to argue your case including a lawyer if you are seeking compensation, and can provide help and support for safety representatives. The Trade Union Congress (TUC) produces a comprehensive guide to health and safety called 'Hazards at Work' and you can buy a copy using the information below:
- Publications Department 020 7467 1294
- Main Switchboard 020 7636 4030
- Trade Union Congress, Congress House, Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3LS
This site is supported by the Healthy Work Matters Group