Occupational asthma

Occupational asthma is caused or aggravated by exposure to substances in the workplace. For example, healthcare workers can develop an allergic reaction to latex gloves by breathing in the powdered proteins from the inner lining of the gloves. Workers in the chemical industry who are exposed to substances like ammonia can develop asthma due to irritation.

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Exposure to many substances used in industries can cause occupational asthma:

• Chemicals such as adhesives, shellac and lacquer, plastics, epoxy resins, carpeting, foam and rubber, insulation, dyes, and enzymes in detergents
• Proteins in animal hair and dander
• Grains, green coffee beans, and papain, an enzyme derived from the papaya
• Cotton, flax, and hemp dust, commonly found in the textile industry
• Metals, such as platinum, chromium, nickel sulfate, and soldering fumes

If asthma is caused by occupational exposure, the symptoms usually are worse on workdays and improve when you are at home for any length of time. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Eye irritation, nasal congestion and a runny nose may also be present.

If you think you have occupational asthma, ask your doctor about a referral to a specialist, most likely an allergist.