{"id":4090,"date":"2022-08-08T01:36:58","date_gmt":"2022-08-08T05:36:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aafa.org\/work-related-asthma\/"},"modified":"2025-01-16T08:48:58","modified_gmt":"2025-01-16T13:48:58","slug":"work-related-asthma","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/aafa.org\/asthma\/living-with-asthma\/work-related-asthma\/","title":{"rendered":"Work-Related Asthma"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;Asthma T-Hero Section&#8221; module_class=&#8221;hero tert&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_image=&#8221;https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/AAFA-Website_Tertiary_Asthma.jpg&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_right&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;1%||1%||true|false&#8221; global_module=&#8221;2247&#8243; saved_tabs=&#8221;all&#8221; collapsed=&#8221;on&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_enable_image=&#8221;off&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;bottom_left&#8221; background_horizontal_offset=&#8221;0%&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;2%||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Nav Parent Title&#8221; module_class=&#8221;tert-parent&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; header_2_font_size=&#8221;32px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Asthma<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code admin_label=&#8221;Breadcrumbs&#8221; module_class=&#8221;bcrumb&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_css_main_element=&#8221;font-size:16px;||color: #fff;&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;Main Content&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;2%||2%||true|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;2_3,1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;2_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_post_title meta=&#8221;off&#8221; featured_image=&#8221;off&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Page Title&#8221; module_class=&#8221;tert-content&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; title_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; title_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; title_text_color=&#8221;#008c99&#8243; title_font_size=&#8221;39px&#8221; background_enable_image=&#8221;off&#8221; background_size=&#8221;contain&#8221; background_position=&#8221;center_left&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;left&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_post_title][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221; Intro Content&#8221; module_class=&#8221;secondary-intro&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#505050&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;24px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.5em&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#008c99&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;39px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||3%||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>In the United States, as many as 15% of\u00a0asthma\u00a0cases may be work related.<sup>1<\/sup>\u00a0More than 300 substances (such as chemicals and irritants) in the workplace can cause or worsen asthma.<sup>2<\/sup><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Page Content&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;#505050&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3>What Is Work-Related Asthma?<\/h3>\n<p>Work-related asthma (also called occupational asthma) is when your job exposes you to airborne chemical fumes, dust, and other irritants that can <a href=\"\/asthma\/asthma-triggers-causes\/\">trigger your asthma<\/a>. In developed countries, it is one of the most common lung diseases related to work.<\/p>\n<p>There are 2 types of work-related asthma:<sup>3<\/sup><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Occupational asthma:<\/strong>\u00a0Asthma caused by inhaling or breathing a substance at your job or workplace<\/li>\n<li><strong>Work-exacerbated (or work-aggravated) asthma<\/strong>: Existing asthma made worse by exposure to specific substances at your work<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>What Causes Work-Related Asthma?<\/h3>\n<p>There are several factors that influence work-related asthma:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Sex<\/li>\n<li>Geographic location<\/li>\n<li>History of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/allergies\/\">allergies<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/asthma\/asthma-triggers-causes\/secondhand-smoke-environmental-tobacco-asthma\/\">Smoking or vaping<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Type and intensity of workplace exposure<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The workplace can have many\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/asthma\/asthma-triggers-causes\/\">asthma triggers<\/a>. Here are some examples of jobs and related triggers:<sup>4<\/sup><\/p>\n<table style=\"height: 421px; border-color: #a8a7a7; border-style: solid;\" cellspacing=\"10\" cellpadding=\"10\" align=\"center\">\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"height: 23px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 311.992px; border-color: #858383; height: 23px; border-style: solid;\"><strong>Job<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 311.992px; border-color: #858383; height: 23px; border-style: solid;\"><strong>Asthma Trigger or Irritant<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 47px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 311.992px; border-color: #858383; height: 47px; border-style: solid;\">Manufacturing plant workers<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 311.992px; border-color: #858383; height: 47px; border-style: solid;\">Chemicals, volatile organic compounds, chemical dusts, vapors, metals<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 47px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 311.992px; border-color: #858383; height: 47px; border-style: solid;\">Cleaning staff<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 311.992px; border-color: #858383; height: 47px; border-style: solid;\">Cleaning chemicals, vapors, dust mites, animal dander, materials (body parts, saliva, and waste) from cockroaches<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 47px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 311.992px; border-color: #858383; height: 47px; border-style: solid;\">Food service staff, bakers, baristas<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 311.992px; border-color: #858383; height: 47px; border-style: solid;\">Fine dust from flour (such as wheat), ground coffee, cereals, grains, and tea<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 47px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 311.992px; border-color: #858383; height: 47px; border-style: solid;\">Fabric industry and textile workers<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 311.992px; border-color: #858383; height: 47px; border-style: solid;\">Dust from cotton and fabrics, volatile organic compounds<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 47px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 311.992px; border-color: #858383; height: 47px; border-style: solid;\">Farmers, veterinary staff, kennel staff, animal handlers, jockeys<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 311.992px; border-color: #858383; height: 47px; border-style: solid;\">Animal dander, bacteria, dust mites, cleaning products, latex, protein dusts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 47px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 311.992px; border-color: #858383; height: 47px; border-style: solid;\">Health care workers<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 311.992px; border-color: #858383; height: 47px; border-style: solid;\">Latex, cleaning chemicals, perfumes and colognes, aerosolized medicines<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 47px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 311.992px; border-color: #858383; height: 47px; border-style: solid;\">Construction crews, delivery, and transport drivers<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 311.992px; border-color: #858383; height: 47px; border-style: solid;\">Air pollution, smog, emission fumes, saw dust, paint, mold, adhesives, resins, dyes, metal dust<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 23px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 311.992px; border-color: #858383; height: 23px; border-style: solid;\">Farmers, gardeners, landscape crews<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 311.992px; border-color: #858383; height: 23px; border-style: solid;\">Pollen, mold, chemicals, pesticides<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 23px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 311.992px; border-color: #858383; height: 23px; border-style: solid;\">Beauty (hair and nail salons)<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 311.992px; border-color: #858383; height: 23px; border-style: solid;\">Dyes, chemicals, vapors, adhesives<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 23px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 311.992px; border-color: #858383; height: 23px; border-style: solid;\">Pharmaceutical and lab workers<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 311.992px; border-color: #858383; height: 23px; border-style: solid;\">Drugs, latex, fungi, enzymes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Air quality can play a big role in work-related asthma. Any work that causes small particles to enter the air may also create poor air quality in the workplace. You can breathe these small airborne particles into your lungs. People who work outside may also be exposed to outdoor air pollution or pollen.<\/p>\n<p>Poor indoor air quality in the workplace affects more than your lungs. It can also affect mental function, ability to focus, and overall productivity.<sup>5\u00a0<\/sup><\/p>\n<h3>What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Work-Related Asthma?<\/h3>\n<p>Work-related asthma symptoms are the same as general\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/asthma\/asthma-symptoms\/\">asthma symptoms<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Common signs and symptoms of asthma include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Shortness of breath<\/li>\n<li>Cough<\/li>\n<li>Chest tightness, pressure, or pain<\/li>\n<li>Wheeze (a whistling sound when you breathe)<\/li>\n<li>Increased mucus (or thick secretions) from the airways<\/li>\n<li>Waking at night due to asthma symptoms<\/li>\n<li>A drop in your peak flow meter reading (if you use one)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>How Do I Know If I Have Work-Related Asthma?<\/h3>\n<p>You may notice you have more airway symptoms while at work or within several hours after leaving work. But the symptoms typically get better on weekends or during vacations. This can be a sign of work-related asthma.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/asthma\/asthma-diagnosis\/\">A doctor can diagnose work-related asthma.<\/a> They will ask about your medical and family history, do a physical exam, and may have you do peak flow rate monitoring, lung function tests, and allergy tests. In some cases, you may need a chest X-ray. They will need to rule out other lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).<\/p>\n<p>If you think you may have work-related asthma, tell your doctor about:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Your job and specific job tasks<\/li>\n<li>Exposure to asthma triggers, such as chemicals, cleaners, dust, and irritants<\/li>\n<li>If your symptoms improve when you are away from work<\/li>\n<li>When your symptoms started, especially if after you started the job<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Use a diary or smartphone app to track your symptoms and exposures. Tracking your work history is important. This may help you figure out the cause of your symptoms.<\/p>\n<p>If you are exposed to chemicals at work, as your supervisor for OSHA safety information, including a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), for each chemical.<\/p>\n<h3>How Can I Control Asthma at Work?<\/h3>\n<p>To control your job-related asthma, you may need to work with your doctor and your employer. Avoiding triggers is the best prevention measure. Together you will need a plan to manage your exposure to triggers and irritants. When your asthma is under control, it can benefit both you and your employer. This can help you be healthier, perform better at your job, and help you miss fewer workdays.<\/p>\n<p>Sometimes, work-related asthma may go away once you are no longer around the substances that trigger your asthma. But if you are constantly around some triggers, such as strong chemicals, your lungs may become permanently damaged. Some people develop disabilities due to long-term, untreated work-related asthma. This is one of many reasons why it is important to address your work-related asthma.<\/p>\n<p>Here are some ways you can control your asthma at work:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/asthma\/asthma-treatment\/\"><strong>Get treatment for your asthma.<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0If your doctor diagnoses you with work-related asthma, they will prescribe medicine to help you keep your asthma under control. They will also give you an\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/asthma\/asthma-treatment\/asthma-treatment-action-plan\/\">Asthma Action Plan<\/a> to tell you what medicine to take according to your symptoms. Also, your doctor may make specific changes to your plan and when to get medical advice and care. Finally, have regular medical checkups to so your doctor can check your lungs and help you maintain overall asthma control.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Reduce your exposure to asthma triggers.<\/strong>\u00a0Work with your employer to find ways to remove your asthma triggers from your workspace. Talk with them about getting personal protective equipment (PPE) such as N95 masks. Depending on your job and exposures, you may ask if there is another job you can do that does not expose you to any relevant asthma triggers. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has an\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/asthma-care-for-adults-lesson-6-work-and-school-checklist-aafa.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Asthma-Friendly Work and School Spaces Checklist<\/a>. You can download, print, and share it with your manager. Review the checklist to see if there are ways to improve your workplace, decrease relevant asthma triggers, and maintain good asthma control.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Improve <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/asthma\/asthma-triggers-causes\/air-pollution-smog-asthma\/indoor-air-quality\/\"><strong>indoor air quality<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong>\u00a0This tip is for your employer and supervisor. Pass this information along to let them know the impact of indoor air quality on their employees.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>To reduce work absences due to asthma, employers can improve air quality in the workplace by taking these 10 steps:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Improve ventilation in indoor spaces. Use <a href=\"https:\/\/community.aafa.org\/blog\/air-cleaners-what-you-need-to-know\">appropriate and effective air cleaning and air filtering<\/a> devices to remove small particles and harmful irritants from the air.<\/li>\n<li>Create a policy for employees that discourages strong scents and odors (no heavy perfume, cologne, essential oils, potpourri, etc.).<\/li>\n<li>Supply proper masks for workers exposed to high levels of air pollution (such as N95 respirators).<\/li>\n<li>Schedule cleaning and dusting to occur when employees with asthma are not around.<\/li>\n<li>Use products that are <a href=\"http:\/\/www.aafa.org\/certified\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Certified <strong>Asthma &amp; Allergy Friendly\u00ae<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li>Reduce overall emissions, fuel burning, and exhaust fumes in and around the workplace.<\/li>\n<li>Encourage employees to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/asthma\/asthma-triggers-causes\/secondhand-smoke-environmental-tobacco-asthma\/\">stop smoking and vaping<\/a>\u00a0(offer incentives!) and create a no-smoking zone both within around the workplace.<\/li>\n<li>Reduce excess moisture and high relative humidity levels (greater than 50-60%) that may cause mold and dust mite growth indoors.<\/li>\n<li>Use proper pest control to reduce cockroaches and mice. Schedule these control measures when employees with asthma are not around the workplace (such as evenings or weekends).<\/li>\n<li>Install air quality sensors to watch your workplace indoor air quality.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/community.aafa.org\/blog\/covid-19-pandemic-highlights-need-for-improving-indoor-air-quality\">Improving ventilation and filtration<\/a>\u00a0also reduces the spread of respiratory illnesses such as the flu and COVID-19.<\/p>\n<p>By improving the air quality of your workplace, it will improve the health of your employees, especially people with asthma.<\/p>\n<h3>What Should I Do If I Have Trouble Doing My Job Because of My Asthma?<\/h3>\n<p>Asthma, depending on how severe it is, is often considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).<sup>6<\/sup><\/p>\n<p>Under the ADA, you can ask your employer to improve your working conditions as long as your requests are reasonable and justified. This is called a reasonable accommodation. Specific accommodations are made on an individual basis because the needs of each person may be different depending upon the situation, especially the potential airborne irritants in the workplace.<\/p>\n<p>Employers may not have to accommodate you if your request would cause an \u201cundue hardship.\u201d<sup>6<\/sup>\u00a0Also they don\u2019t have to make the accommodation if it requires them to make a \u201cfundamental alteration\u201d to a program. But in most cases, you and your employer can work together to find an effective solution.<\/p>\n<p>If exposure to your asthma triggers at work causes you to have asthma symptoms, first try to work with your employer. Talk with your manager or someone in human resources. Developing workable and effective solutions is important for you, your supervisor, and employer.<\/p>\n<p>If you have questions about the ADA, you can call the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ada.gov\/infoline.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ADA Information Line<\/a>\u00a0at 800-514-0301 (voice) or 800-514-0383 (TTY). You can also find helpful information at\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.ada.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ADA.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>What Should I Do If My Employer Will Not Accommodate My Asthma?<\/h3>\n<p>If your employer denies your request, you may be able to appeal this decision or work with your human resources department to look into more options.<\/p>\n<p>If you feel you have been treated unfairly, you can file a complaint with the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.eeoc.gov\/filing-charge-discrimination\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Many states also have advocacy organizations that can help you with disability issues.<\/p>\n<p>If all else fails, you can also file a private lawsuit to get a court order requiring the business to make necessary changes and accommodations, as well as to possibly pay attorney\u2019s fees. If you lost your job, you might also be able to get your job back and get back pay. Keep in mind that the law does not require all employers to accommodate all requests.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Medical Review&#8221; module_class=&#8221;med-rev&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#505050&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; link_text_color=&#8221;#008C99&#8243; link_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; header_5_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_5_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; header_5_text_color=&#8221;#008c99&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||3%||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>\u200bMedical Review: July 2024 by John James, MD<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; open_toggle_background_color=&#8221;#f0f0f0&#8243; closed_toggle_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; closed_toggle_background_color=&#8221;#f0f0f0&#8243; toggle_icon=&#8221;&#x4c;||divi||400&#8243; icon_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; use_icon_font_size=&#8221;on&#8221; icon_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Accordions &#8211; References&#8221; module_class=&#8221;accord&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; toggle_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; toggle_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; toggle_font_size=&#8221;22px&#8221; closed_toggle_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; closed_toggle_font_size=&#8221;22px&#8221; body_text_color=&#8221;#505050&#8243; body_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; body_link_font=&#8221;||||on|||#008C99|&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||2%||false|false&#8221; border_width_all=&#8221;0px&#8221; saved_tabs=&#8221;all&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;Closed Accordion&#8221; open=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_css_main_element=&#8221;display:none;&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;References&#8221; open_toggle_background_color=&#8221;#f0f0f0&#8243; closed_toggle_background_color=&#8221;#f0f0f0&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||2%||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;]<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><em>Occupational Asthma<\/em>. (2023, October 31). American Academy of Allergy, Asthma &amp; Immunology. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aaaai.org\/Tools-for-the-Public\/Conditions-Library\/Asthma\/occupational-asthma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.aaaai.org\/Tools-for-the-Public\/Conditions-Library\/Asthma\/occupational-asthma\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n<li><em>About Work-Related Asthma<\/em>. (2024, May 16). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/niosh\/asthma\/about\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/niosh\/asthma\/about\/\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n<li><em>Work-Related Asthma \\ Information for Clinicians. (<\/em>2024, March 14). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/niosh\/work-related-asthma\/hcp\/clinical-guidance\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/niosh\/work-related-asthma\/hcp\/clinical-guidance\/index.html<\/a><\/li>\n<li><em>Work-Related Asthma Exposures.<\/em> (2024, March 19). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/niosh\/asthma\/hcp\/exposures\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/niosh\/asthma\/hcp\/exposures\/index.html\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Laurent, J. G. C., MacNaughton, P., Jones, E., Young, A. S., Bliss, M., Flanigan, S., Vallarino, J., Chen, L. J., Cao, X., &amp; Allen, J. G. (2021, September 9). Associations Between Acute Exposures to Pm2.5 and Carbon Dioxide Indoors and Cognitive Function in Office Workers: A Multicountry Longitudinal Prospective Observational Study. IOP Science. Retrieved October 5, 2021, from\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/iopscience.iop.org\/article\/10.1088\/1748-9326\/ac1bd8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/iopscience.iop.org\/article\/10.1088\/1748-9326\/ac1bd8<\/a><\/li>\n<li>U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. (n.d.).\u00a0<em>Sec. 12102. Definition of Disability<\/em>. Information and Technical Assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ada.gov\/law-and-regs\/ada\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.ada.gov\/law-and-regs\/ada\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][et_pb_code admin_label=&#8221;Print&#8221; module_id=&#8221;print&#8221; module_class=&#8221;clearfix&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_module=&#8221;5156&#8243; saved_tabs=&#8221;all&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/asthma\/living-with-asthma\/work-related-asthma\/print\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" title=\"Print post\"><svg class=\"WP-PrintIcon wp-print-icon\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewbox=\"0 0 20 20\" fill=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M6 2h8v4H6z\" \/><path d=\"M3 7h14v7h-3v-3H6v3H3z\" \/><path d=\"M6 12h8v6H6z\" \/><\/svg> Print post<\/a> [\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; 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global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;View More Link&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#008C99&#8243; link_font=&#8221;|600||on|||||&#8221; link_text_align=&#8221;right&#8221; link_text_color=&#8221;#008C99&#8243; link_font_size=&#8221;18px&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;right&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; link_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|hover&#8221; link_text_color__hover=&#8221;#692D87&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/community.aafa.org\/blog\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">View more blog articles &gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>AsthmaIn the United States, as many as 15% of\u00a0asthma\u00a0cases may be work related.1\u00a0More than 300 substances (such as chemicals and irritants) in the workplace can cause or worsen asthma.2What Is [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":3182,"parent":4165,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" admin_label=\"About Hero Section\" _builder_version=\"4.17.5\" _module_preset=\"default\" background_image=\"2723\" background_position=\"center_right\" custom_padding=\"2%||2%||true|false\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_module=\"1511\" saved_tabs=\"all\" collapsed=\"off\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" alt=\"About AAFA\" title_text=\"AAFA-Website_Secondary_About\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"] [et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" background_image=\"2724\" background_size=\"initial\" background_position=\"bottom_left\" background_horizontal_offset=\"0%\" background_vertical_offset=\"-5%\" custom_margin=\"|||0px|false|false\" custom_padding=\"0px||0px||true|false\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"] [et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_padding=\"|||5%|false|false\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_post_title meta=\"off\" featured_image=\"off\" admin_label=\"Page Title\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" title_font=\"|600|||||||\" title_text_color=\"#FFFFFF\" title_font_size=\"62px\" background_enable_image=\"off\" background_size=\"contain\" background_position=\"center_left\" module_alignment=\"left\" custom_margin=\"||0px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"8%||0px||false|false\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_post_title][et_pb_code admin_label=\"Breadcrumbs\" module_class=\"bcrumb\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" text_orientation=\"left\" custom_margin=\"||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"||||false|false\" custom_css_main_element=\"font-size:16px;||color: #fff;\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][wpseo_breadcrumb][\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" admin_label=\"Main Content\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" background_enable_image=\"off\" background_size=\"initial\" background_position=\"bottom_right\" custom_padding=\"2%||2%||true|false\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_row column_structure=\"2_3,1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"] [et_pb_column type=\"2_3\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"] [et_pb_text admin_label=\"Page Content\" module_class=\"secondary-intro\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" text_text_color=\"#505050\" text_font_size=\"24px\" text_line_height=\"1.5em\" header_2_font=\"|600|||||||\" header_2_text_color=\"#008c99\" header_2_font_size=\"39px\" custom_margin=\"||3%||false|false\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]<\/p><div id=\"page\" class=\"page-global\"><div id=\"BodyTextEditor\"><p>In the United States, as many as 15% of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthma.aspx\">asthma<\/a> cases may be work related.<sup>1<\/sup> More than 300 substances (such as chemicals and irritants) in the workplace can cause or worsen asthma.<sup>2<\/sup><\/p><h3>What Is Work-Related Asthma?<\/h3><p>Work-related asthma (or occupational asthma) is when your job exposes you to triggers that cause asthma. In developed countries, it is one of the most common lung diseases related to work.<\/p><p>There are two types of work-related asthma, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):<\/p><ul><li><strong>Occupational asthma:<\/strong> Asthma caused by exposure to a substance at your job<\/li><li><strong>Work-exacerbated (or work-aggravated) asthma<\/strong>: Existing asthma made worse by exposure to triggers at work<sup>3<\/sup><\/li><\/ul><h3>What Causes Work-Related Asthma?<\/h3><p>There are several factors that influence work-related asthma:<\/p><ul><li>Sex<\/li><li>Geographic location<\/li><li>History of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/allergies.aspx\">allergies<\/a><\/li><li>Smoking<\/li><li>Type and intensity of workplace exposure<\/li><\/ul><p>The workplace can have many <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthma-triggers-causes\/\">asthma triggers<\/a>. Here are some examples of jobs and related triggers:<\/p><table align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"10\" cellspacing=\"10\"><tbody><tr><td style=\"width:312px\"><p><strong>Job<\/strong><\/p><\/td><td style=\"width:312px\"><p><strong>Asthma Trigger or Irritant<\/strong><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Manufacturing plant workers<\/p><\/td><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Chemicals, volatile organic compounds, chemical dusts, vapors, metals<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Cleaning staff<\/p><\/td><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Cleaning chemicals, vapors, dust mites, animal dander<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Food service staff, bakers, baristas<\/p><\/td><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Fine dust from flour, ground coffee, cereals, grains, and tea<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Fabric industry and textile workers<\/p><\/td><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Dust from cotton and fabrics, volatile organic compounds<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Farmers, veterinary staff, kennel staff, animal handlers<\/p><\/td><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Animal dander, bacteria<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Health care workers<\/p><\/td><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Latex, cleaning chemicals, perfumes and colognes, respiratory infections<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Construction crews, delivery, and transport drivers<\/p><\/td><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Air pollution, smog, emission fumes, saw dust, paint, mold<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Farmers, gardens, landscape crews<\/p><\/td><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Pollen, mold, chemicals, pesticides<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Beauty (hair and nail salons)<\/p><\/td><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Dyes, chemicals, vapors, adhesives<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Pharmaceutical workers<\/p><\/td><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Drugs and enzymes<\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><p>Air quality can play a big role in work-related asthma. Any work that causes small particles to enter the air may also create poor air quality in the workplace. These small airborne particles can get breathed into the lungs. Poor indoor air quality in the workplace affects more than our lungs. It can also affect mental function, ability to focus, and productivity.<sup>4 <\/sup>People who work outside may also endure exposure to outdoor air pollution or pollen.<\/p><h3>What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Occupational Asthma?<\/h3><p>Work-related asthma symptoms are the same as general <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthma-symptoms\/\">asthma symptoms<\/a>.<\/p><p><strong>Common signs and symptoms of asthma include:<\/strong><\/p><ul><li>Shortness of breath<\/li><li>Cough<\/li><li>Chest tightness or pain<\/li><li>Wheeze (a whistling sound when you breathe)<\/li><li>Increased mucus (or thick secretions) from the airways<\/li><li>Waking at night due to asthma symptoms<\/li><li>A drop in your peak flow meter reading (if you use one)<\/li><\/ul><h3>How Do I Know If I Have Work-Related Asthma?<\/h3><p>Some people see a pattern of increased airway symptoms while at work or within several hours after leaving work. But the symptoms get better on weekends or during vacations. This can be a sign of work-related asthma.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthma-diagnosis\/\">A doctor can diagnose work-related asthma.<\/a> They will ask about your medical and family history, do a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/physical-exam-diagnose-asthma\/\">physical exam<\/a>, and may have you do <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/lung-function-tests-diagnose-asthma.aspx\">lung function tests<\/a>. They will need to rule out other lung diseases like COPD.<\/p><p>If you think you may have work-related asthma, tell your doctor about:<\/p><ul><li>Your job and specific job tasks<\/li><li>Exposure to asthma triggers, such as chemicals, cleaners, dust, and irritants<\/li><li>If your symptoms improve when you are away from work<\/li><li>When symptoms started, especially if after you started the job<\/li><\/ul><p>Use a diary or app to track your symptoms and exposures. Tracking your work history is important. This may help you figure out the cause of your symptoms.<\/p><h3>How Can I Control Asthma at Work?<\/h3><p>To control your job-related asthma, you may need to work with your doctor and your employer. Together you will need a plan to manage your exposure to triggers and irritants. When your asthma is under control, it can benefit both you and your employer. It can help you be healthier, perform better at your job, and help you miss fewer workdays.<\/p><p>Sometimes, work-related asthma can go away once you are no longer around the substances that trigger your asthma. But if you have constant exposure to some triggers, such as strong chemicals, your lungs may become permanently damaged. Some people develop disabilities due to long-term, untreated work-related asthma. This is one of many reasons why it is important to address your work-related asthma.<\/p><p>Here are some ways you can control your asthma at work:<\/p><ol><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthma-treatment\/\"><strong>Get treatment for your asthma.<\/strong><\/a> If your doctor diagnoses you with work-related asthma, they will prescribe medicine to help you keep your asthma under control. They will also give you an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthma-treatment-action-plan\/\">asthma action plan<\/a> to tell you what medicine to take according to your symptoms.<\/li><li><strong>Reduce your exposure to asthma triggers.<\/strong> Work with your employer to find ways to remove your asthma triggers from your workspace. Talk with them about getting personal protective equipment (PPE) such as N95 masks. Or depending on your job, you may ask if there is another job you can do that does not expose you to any triggers at all.<p>The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) created an <a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/asthma-care-for-adults-lesson-6-work-and-school-checklist-aafa.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Asthma-Friendly Work and School Spaces Checklist<\/a><img alt=\"Download PDF\" src=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/pdf-24x24-2.png\" style=\"margin-left:1px;margin-right:1px;vertical-align:middle\">. You can download, print, and share it with your manager. Review the checklist to see if there are ways to improve your workplace for people with asthma.<\/p><\/li><\/ol><p style=\"margin-left:0.25in;text-align:center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/asthma-care-for-adults-lesson-6-work-and-school-checklist-aafa.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Download, print, and share<\/a><img alt=\"Download PDF\" src=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/pdf-24x24-2.png\" style=\"margin-left:1px;margin-right:1px;vertical-align:middle\"><br><a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/asthma-care-for-adults-lesson-6-work-and-school-checklist-aafa.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img alt=\"The cover of AAFA's Asthma-Friendly Work and School Checklist\" src=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/asthma-care-for-adults-lesson-6-work-and-school-checklist-aafa_page_1.png\" style=\"height:324px;width:250px\"><\/a><\/p><ol start=\"3\"><li><strong>Improve <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/indoor-air-quality\/\"><strong>indoor air quality<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong> This tip is for your employer. Pass this information along to let them know the impact of indoor air quality on their employees.<\/li><\/ol><p style=\"margin-left:40px\">To reduce work absences due to asthma, employers can improve air quality in the workplace by taking these 10 steps:<\/p><ol><li style=\"margin-left:40px\">Improve ventilation in indoor spaces. Use <a href=\"https:\/\/community.aafa.org\/blog\/air-cleaners-what-you-need-to-know\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">appropriate and effective air cleaning and air filtration<\/a> devices to remove small particles and harmful irritants from the air.<\/li><li style=\"margin-left:40px\">Create a policy for employees that discourages strong scents\/odors (no heavy perfume, cologne, essential oils, potpourri, etc.).<\/li><li style=\"margin-left:40px\">Supply proper masks for workers exposed to high levels of air pollution (such as N95 respirators).<\/li><li style=\"margin-left:40px\">Schedule cleaning and dusting to occur when employees with asthma are not around.<\/li><li style=\"margin-left:40px\">Use products that are <a href=\"http:\/\/www.aafa.org\/certified\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CERTIFIED <span style=\"font-family:franklin gothic heavy\">asthma & allergy friendly\u00ae<\/span><\/a>.<\/li><li style=\"margin-left:40px\">Reduce overall emissions, fuel burning, and exhaust fumes in and around the workplace.<\/li><li style=\"margin-left:40px\">Encourage employees to <a href=\"http:\/\/www.aafa.org\/tobacco\">stop smoking<\/a> (offer incentives!) and create a no-smoking zone around the workplace.<\/li><li style=\"margin-left:40px\">Reduce excess moisture that may be causing mold growth indoors.<\/li><li style=\"margin-left:40px\">Use proper pest control to reduce cockroach and mouse infestation.<\/li><li style=\"margin-left:40px\">Install air quality sensors to watch your workplace indoor air quality.<\/li><\/ol><p><img alt=\"A man in a hardhat with a list of 10 steps to improve air quality in the workplace for employees with asthma\" src=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/improving-iaq-in-the-workplace-for-employees-work-related-asthma.png\" style=\"display:block;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:70%\"><\/p><p style=\"margin-left:40px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/community.aafa.org\/blog\/covid-19-pandemic-highlights-need-for-improving-indoor-air-quality\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Improving ventilation and filtration<\/a> also reduces the spread the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.<\/p><p style=\"margin-left:40px\">By improving the air quality of your workplace, it will improve the health of your employees, especially those with asthma.<\/p><h3>What Should I Do If I Have Trouble Doing My Job Because of My Asthma?<\/h3><p>Asthma, depending on how severe it is, is often considered a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).<sup>5<\/sup><\/p><p>Under the ADA, you can ask for your employer to improve your working conditions as long as your requests are reasonable. This is called a reasonable accommodation. Accommodations are made on an individual basis because the needs of each person vary depending upon the situation.<\/p><p>Employers may not have to accommodate you if your request would cause an \u201cundue hardship.\"<sup>5<\/sup> Also they don\u2019t have to make the accommodation if it requires them to make a \u201cfundamental alteration\" to a program. But in most cases, you and your employer can work together to find a solution.<\/p><p>If exposure to your asthma triggers at work causes you to have asthma symptoms, first try to work with your employer. Talk with your manager or someone in human resources.<\/p><p>If you have questions about the ADA, you can call the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ada.gov\/infoline.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ADA Information Line<\/a> at 800-514-0301 (voice) or 800-514-0383 (TTY). You can also find helpful information at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ada.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"American Disabilities Act\" rel=\"noopener\">ADA.gov<\/a>.<\/p><h3>What Should I Do If My Employer Will Not Accommodate My Asthma?<\/h3><p>If your employer denies your request, you may be able to appeal or work with your human resources department to look into more options.<\/p><p>If you feel you have been treated unfairly, you can file a complaint with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eeoc.gov\/filing-charge-discrimination\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)<\/a>.<\/p><p>Many states also have advocacy organizations that can help you with disability disputes.<\/p><p>If all else fails, you can also file a private lawsuit to get a court order requiring the business to make necessary changes and possibly pay attorney\u2019s fees. If you lost your job, you might also be able to get your job back and get back pay. Keep in mind that the law does not require all employers to accommodate all requests.<\/p><p><small><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/about-aafa\/leadership\/medical-scientific-council.aspx\">Medical Review<\/a>: June 2022 by John James, MD<\/small><\/p><h3>Related Content<\/h3><p><a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/asthma-care-for-adults-lesson-6-work-and-school-checklist-aafa.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Asthma-Friendly Workplace Checklist<\/a><img alt=\"Download PDF\" src=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/pdf-24x24-2.png\" style=\"margin-left:1px;margin-right:1px;vertical-align:middle\"><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthmacare\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ASTHMA Care for Adults Online Course<\/a><\/p><p><small><strong>References<\/strong><br>1. <em>Occupational Asthma<\/em>. (2021). AAAAI.org. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aaaai.org\/Tools-for-the-Public\/Conditions-Library\/Asthma\/occupational-asthma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.aaaai.org\/Tools-for-the-Public\/Conditions-Library\/Asthma\/occupational-asthma<\/a><\/small><\/p><p><small>2. <em>Work-Related Asthma<\/em>. (2019, February 11). www.cdc.gov; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/niosh\/topics\/asthma\/default.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/niosh\/topics\/asthma\/default.html<\/a><\/small><\/p><p><small>3. <em>Healthcare Professionals: Work-Related Asthma<\/em>. (2022, May 3). Www.cdc.gov; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/niosh\/topics\/asthma\/professionals.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/niosh\/topics\/asthma\/professionals.html<\/a><\/small><\/p><p><small>4. Laurent, J. G. C., MacNaughton, P., Jones, E., Young, A. S., Bliss, M., Flanigan, S., Vallarino, J., Chen, L. J., Cao, X., & Allen, J. G. (2021, September 9). Associations Between Acute Exposures to Pm2.5 and Carbon Dioxide Indoors and Cognitive Function in Office Workers: A Multicountry Longitudinal Prospective Observational Study. IOP Science. Retrieved October 5, 2021, from <a href=\"https:\/\/iopscience.iop.org\/article\/10.1088\/1748-9326\/ac1bd8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/iopscience.iop.org\/article\/10.1088\/1748-9326\/ac1bd8<\/a><\/small><small>.<\/small><\/p><p><small>5. U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. (n.d.). <em>Sec. 12102. Definition of Disability<\/em>. Information and Technical Assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ada.gov\/pubs\/adastatute08.htm#12102\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"https:\/\/www.ada.gov\/pubs\/adastatute08.htm#12102.\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.ada.gov\/pubs\/adastatute08.htm#12102<\/a>.<\/small><\/p><\/div><\/div><div id=\"BodyTextEditor\"><p>In the United States, as many as 15% of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthma.aspx\">asthma<\/a> cases may be work related.<sup>1<\/sup> More than 300 substances (such as chemicals and irritants) in the workplace can cause or worsen asthma.<sup>2<\/sup><\/p><h3>What Is Work-Related Asthma?<\/h3><p>Work-related asthma (or occupational asthma) is when your job exposes you to triggers that cause asthma. In developed countries, it is one of the most common lung diseases related to work.<\/p><p>There are two types of work-related asthma, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):<\/p><ul><li><strong>Occupational asthma:<\/strong> Asthma caused by exposure to a substance at your job<\/li><li><strong>Work-exacerbated (or work-aggravated) asthma<\/strong>: Existing asthma made worse by exposure to triggers at work<sup>3<\/sup><\/li><\/ul><h3>What Causes Work-Related Asthma?<\/h3><p>There are several factors that influence work-related asthma:<\/p><ul><li>Sex<\/li><li>Geographic location<\/li><li>History of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/allergies.aspx\">allergies<\/a><\/li><li>Smoking<\/li><li>Type and intensity of workplace exposure<\/li><\/ul><p>The workplace can have many <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthma-triggers-causes\/\">asthma triggers<\/a>. Here are some examples of jobs and related triggers:<\/p><table align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"10\" cellspacing=\"10\"><tbody><tr><td style=\"width:312px\"><p><strong>Job<\/strong><\/p><\/td><td style=\"width:312px\"><p><strong>Asthma Trigger or Irritant<\/strong><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Manufacturing plant workers<\/p><\/td><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Chemicals, volatile organic compounds, chemical dusts, vapors, metals<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Cleaning staff<\/p><\/td><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Cleaning chemicals, vapors, dust mites, animal dander<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Food service staff, bakers, baristas<\/p><\/td><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Fine dust from flour, ground coffee, cereals, grains, and tea<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Fabric industry and textile workers<\/p><\/td><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Dust from cotton and fabrics, volatile organic compounds<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Farmers, veterinary staff, kennel staff, animal handlers<\/p><\/td><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Animal dander, bacteria<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Health care workers<\/p><\/td><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Latex, cleaning chemicals, perfumes and colognes, respiratory infections<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Construction crews, delivery, and transport drivers<\/p><\/td><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Air pollution, smog, emission fumes, saw dust, paint, mold<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Farmers, gardens, landscape crews<\/p><\/td><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Pollen, mold, chemicals, pesticides<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Beauty (hair and nail salons)<\/p><\/td><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Dyes, chemicals, vapors, adhesives<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Pharmaceutical workers<\/p><\/td><td style=\"width:312px\"><p>Drugs and enzymes<\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><p>Air quality can play a big role in work-related asthma. Any work that causes small particles to enter the air may also create poor air quality in the workplace. These small airborne particles can get breathed into the lungs. Poor indoor air quality in the workplace affects more than our lungs. It can also affect mental function, ability to focus, and productivity.<sup>4 <\/sup>People who work outside may also endure exposure to outdoor air pollution or pollen.<\/p><h3>What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Occupational Asthma?<\/h3><p>Work-related asthma symptoms are the same as general <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthma-symptoms\/\">asthma symptoms<\/a>.<\/p><p><strong>Common signs and symptoms of asthma include:<\/strong><\/p><ul><li>Shortness of breath<\/li><li>Cough<\/li><li>Chest tightness or pain<\/li><li>Wheeze (a whistling sound when you breathe)<\/li><li>Increased mucus (or thick secretions) from the airways<\/li><li>Waking at night due to asthma symptoms<\/li><li>A drop in your peak flow meter reading (if you use one)<\/li><\/ul><h3>How Do I Know If I Have Work-Related Asthma?<\/h3><p>Some people see a pattern of increased airway symptoms while at work or within several hours after leaving work. But the symptoms get better on weekends or during vacations. This can be a sign of work-related asthma.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthma-diagnosis\/\">A doctor can diagnose work-related asthma.<\/a> They will ask about your medical and family history, do a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/physical-exam-diagnose-asthma\/\">physical exam<\/a>, and may have you do <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/lung-function-tests-diagnose-asthma.aspx\">lung function tests<\/a>. They will need to rule out other lung diseases like COPD.<\/p><p>If you think you may have work-related asthma, tell your doctor about:<\/p><ul><li>Your job and specific job tasks<\/li><li>Exposure to asthma triggers, such as chemicals, cleaners, dust, and irritants<\/li><li>If your symptoms improve when you are away from work<\/li><li>When symptoms started, especially if after you started the job<\/li><\/ul><p>Use a diary or app to track your symptoms and exposures. Tracking your work history is important. This may help you figure out the cause of your symptoms.<\/p><h3>How Can I Control Asthma at Work?<\/h3><p>To control your job-related asthma, you may need to work with your doctor and your employer. Together you will need a plan to manage your exposure to triggers and irritants. When your asthma is under control, it can benefit both you and your employer. It can help you be healthier, perform better at your job, and help you miss fewer workdays.<\/p><p>Sometimes, work-related asthma can go away once you are no longer around the substances that trigger your asthma. But if you have constant exposure to some triggers, such as strong chemicals, your lungs may become permanently damaged. Some people develop disabilities due to long-term, untreated work-related asthma. This is one of many reasons why it is important to address your work-related asthma.<\/p><p>Here are some ways you can control your asthma at work:<\/p><ol><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthma-treatment\/\"><strong>Get treatment for your asthma.<\/strong><\/a> If your doctor diagnoses you with work-related asthma, they will prescribe medicine to help you keep your asthma under control. They will also give you an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthma-treatment-action-plan\/\">asthma action plan<\/a> to tell you what medicine to take according to your symptoms.<\/li><li><strong>Reduce your exposure to asthma triggers.<\/strong> Work with your employer to find ways to remove your asthma triggers from your workspace. Talk with them about getting personal protective equipment (PPE) such as N95 masks. Or depending on your job, you may ask if there is another job you can do that does not expose you to any triggers at all.<p>The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) created an <a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/asthma-care-for-adults-lesson-6-work-and-school-checklist-aafa.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Asthma-Friendly Work and School Spaces Checklist<\/a><img alt=\"Download PDF\" src=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/pdf-24x24-2.png\" style=\"margin-left:1px;margin-right:1px;vertical-align:middle\">. You can download, print, and share it with your manager. Review the checklist to see if there are ways to improve your workplace for people with asthma.<\/p><\/li><\/ol><p style=\"margin-left:0.25in;text-align:center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/asthma-care-for-adults-lesson-6-work-and-school-checklist-aafa.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Download, print, and share<\/a><img alt=\"Download PDF\" src=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/pdf-24x24-2.png\" style=\"margin-left:1px;margin-right:1px;vertical-align:middle\"><br><a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/asthma-care-for-adults-lesson-6-work-and-school-checklist-aafa.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img alt=\"The cover of AAFA's Asthma-Friendly Work and School Checklist\" src=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/asthma-care-for-adults-lesson-6-work-and-school-checklist-aafa_page_1.png\" style=\"height:324px;width:250px\"><\/a><\/p><ol start=\"3\"><li><strong>Improve <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/indoor-air-quality\/\"><strong>indoor air quality<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong> This tip is for your employer. Pass this information along to let them know the impact of indoor air quality on their employees.<\/li><\/ol><p style=\"margin-left:40px\">To reduce work absences due to asthma, employers can improve air quality in the workplace by taking these 10 steps:<\/p><ol><li style=\"margin-left:40px\">Improve ventilation in indoor spaces. Use <a href=\"https:\/\/community.aafa.org\/blog\/air-cleaners-what-you-need-to-know\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">appropriate and effective air cleaning and air filtration<\/a> devices to remove small particles and harmful irritants from the air.<\/li><li style=\"margin-left:40px\">Create a policy for employees that discourages strong scents\/odors (no heavy perfume, cologne, essential oils, potpourri, etc.).<\/li><li style=\"margin-left:40px\">Supply proper masks for workers exposed to high levels of air pollution (such as N95 respirators).<\/li><li style=\"margin-left:40px\">Schedule cleaning and dusting to occur when employees with asthma are not around.<\/li><li style=\"margin-left:40px\">Use products that are <a href=\"http:\/\/www.aafa.org\/certified\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CERTIFIED <span style=\"font-family:franklin gothic heavy\">asthma & allergy friendly\u00ae<\/span><\/a>.<\/li><li style=\"margin-left:40px\">Reduce overall emissions, fuel burning, and exhaust fumes in and around the workplace.<\/li><li style=\"margin-left:40px\">Encourage employees to <a href=\"http:\/\/www.aafa.org\/tobacco\">stop smoking<\/a> (offer incentives!) and create a no-smoking zone around the workplace.<\/li><li style=\"margin-left:40px\">Reduce excess moisture that may be causing mold growth indoors.<\/li><li style=\"margin-left:40px\">Use proper pest control to reduce cockroach and mouse infestation.<\/li><li style=\"margin-left:40px\">Install air quality sensors to watch your workplace indoor air quality.<\/li><\/ol><p><img alt=\"A man in a hardhat with a list of 10 steps to improve air quality in the workplace for employees with asthma\" src=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/improving-iaq-in-the-workplace-for-employees-work-related-asthma.png\" style=\"display:block;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:70%\"><\/p><p style=\"margin-left:40px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/community.aafa.org\/blog\/covid-19-pandemic-highlights-need-for-improving-indoor-air-quality\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Improving ventilation and filtration<\/a> also reduces the spread the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.<\/p><p style=\"margin-left:40px\">By improving the air quality of your workplace, it will improve the health of your employees, especially those with asthma.<\/p><h3>What Should I Do If I Have Trouble Doing My Job Because of My Asthma?<\/h3><p>Asthma, depending on how severe it is, is often considered a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).<sup>5<\/sup><\/p><p>Under the ADA, you can ask for your employer to improve your working conditions as long as your requests are reasonable. This is called a reasonable accommodation. Accommodations are made on an individual basis because the needs of each person vary depending upon the situation.<\/p><p>Employers may not have to accommodate you if your request would cause an \u201cundue hardship.\"<sup>5<\/sup> Also they don\u2019t have to make the accommodation if it requires them to make a \u201cfundamental alteration\" to a program. But in most cases, you and your employer can work together to find a solution.<\/p><p>If exposure to your asthma triggers at work causes you to have asthma symptoms, first try to work with your employer. Talk with your manager or someone in human resources.<\/p><p>If you have questions about the ADA, you can call the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ada.gov\/infoline.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ADA Information Line<\/a> at 800-514-0301 (voice) or 800-514-0383 (TTY). You can also find helpful information at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ada.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"American Disabilities Act\" rel=\"noopener\">ADA.gov<\/a>.<\/p><h3>What Should I Do If My Employer Will Not Accommodate My Asthma?<\/h3><p>If your employer denies your request, you may be able to appeal or work with your human resources department to look into more options.<\/p><p>If you feel you have been treated unfairly, you can file a complaint with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eeoc.gov\/filing-charge-discrimination\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)<\/a>.<\/p><p>Many states also have advocacy organizations that can help you with disability disputes.<\/p><p>If all else fails, you can also file a private lawsuit to get a court order requiring the business to make necessary changes and possibly pay attorney\u2019s fees. If you lost your job, you might also be able to get your job back and get back pay. Keep in mind that the law does not require all employers to accommodate all requests.<\/p><p><small><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/about-aafa\/leadership\/medical-scientific-council.aspx\">Medical Review<\/a>: June 2022 by John James, MD<\/small><\/p><h3>Related Content<\/h3><p><a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/asthma-care-for-adults-lesson-6-work-and-school-checklist-aafa.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Asthma-Friendly Workplace Checklist<\/a><img alt=\"Download PDF\" src=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/pdf-24x24-2.png\" style=\"margin-left:1px;margin-right:1px;vertical-align:middle\"><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthmacare\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ASTHMA Care for Adults Online Course<\/a><\/p><p><small><strong>References<\/strong><br>1. <em>Occupational Asthma<\/em>. (2021). AAAAI.org. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aaaai.org\/Tools-for-the-Public\/Conditions-Library\/Asthma\/occupational-asthma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.aaaai.org\/Tools-for-the-Public\/Conditions-Library\/Asthma\/occupational-asthma<\/a><\/small><\/p><p><small>2. <em>Work-Related Asthma<\/em>. (2019, February 11). www.cdc.gov; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/niosh\/topics\/asthma\/default.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/niosh\/topics\/asthma\/default.html<\/a><\/small><\/p><p><small>3. <em>Healthcare Professionals: Work-Related Asthma<\/em>. (2022, May 3). Www.cdc.gov; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/niosh\/topics\/asthma\/professionals.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/niosh\/topics\/asthma\/professionals.html<\/a><\/small><\/p><p><small>4. Laurent, J. G. C., MacNaughton, P., Jones, E., Young, A. S., Bliss, M., Flanigan, S., Vallarino, J., Chen, L. J., Cao, X., & Allen, J. G. (2021, September 9). Associations Between Acute Exposures to Pm2.5 and Carbon Dioxide Indoors and Cognitive Function in Office Workers: A Multicountry Longitudinal Prospective Observational Study. IOP Science. Retrieved October 5, 2021, from <a href=\"https:\/\/iopscience.iop.org\/article\/10.1088\/1748-9326\/ac1bd8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/iopscience.iop.org\/article\/10.1088\/1748-9326\/ac1bd8<\/a><\/small><small>.<\/small><\/p><p><small>5. U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. (n.d.). <em>Sec. 12102. Definition of Disability<\/em>. Information and Technical Assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ada.gov\/pubs\/adastatute08.htm#12102\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"https:\/\/www.ada.gov\/pubs\/adastatute08.htm#12102.\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.ada.gov\/pubs\/adastatute08.htm#12102<\/a>.<\/small><\/p><\/div><p>[\/et_pb_text] [\/et_pb_column] [et_pb_column type=\"1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_padding=\"6%||||false|false\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_video src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=aSBUDSqXUks&list=PLrLBy23tjd-J7OzSmi6pn1nssfDcCsHob&index=11\" admin_label=\"YouTube Video\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_button button_url=\"\/asthma-allergy-research\/asthma-research\/\" button_text=\"Asthma Research\" button_alignment=\"center\" admin_label=\"Asthma Research Button\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_button=\"on\" button_use_icon=\"off\" custom_css_main_element=\"width:100%;\" global_module=\"613\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_url=\"\/asthma-allergy-research\/allergy-research\/\" button_text=\"Allergy Research\" button_alignment=\"center\" admin_label=\"Allergy Research Button\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_button=\"on\" button_bg_color=\"#008c99\" custom_css_main_element=\"width:100%;\" global_module=\"598\" saved_tabs=\"all\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" button_text__hover_enabled=\"off|desktop\"][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text admin_label=\"Support Our Work Blurb\" module_class=\"sidebar-blurb\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" text_text_color=\"#505050\" text_font_size=\"16px\" text_line_height=\"1.5em\" link_font=\"|600||on|||||\" link_text_align=\"left\" link_text_color=\"#692d87\" link_font_size=\"16px\" header_4_font=\"|600|||||||\" header_4_text_align=\"left\" header_4_text_color=\"#692d87\" header_4_font_size=\"20px\" background_image=\"2725\" background_size=\"initial\" background_position=\"top_left\" global_module=\"601\" saved_tabs=\"all\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]<\/p><h4>Support Our Work<\/h4><p>Over the past 15 years, there have been moderate advances in U.S. public policy, health care and research, but racial gaps in asthma outcomes have not changed. Minority groups continue to bear disproportionate hardship in managing asthma.<\/p><p><a href=\"\/get-involved\/make-a-donation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Donate Today ><\/a><\/p><p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-4090","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.5 (Yoast SEO v28.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Work-Related Asthma | AAFA.org<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Managing your work-related asthma can benefit both you and your employer. 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