Asthma
Asthma is a respiratory disease in which the air passages narrow, making it difficult to breathe. People can develop asthma after exposure to certain substances, known as sensitizers. Exposure to sensitizers can also trigger or worsen a person's existing asthma.
When a worker become sensitized to a material, he or she will experience an asthma attack even if only an extremely small amount of the sensitizer is in the air.
The risks
Allergic reactions can result from workplace exposure to common allergens in these areas:
| Bakeries | Flour dust |
| Health care |
Latex |
| Metalworking | Solder fumes |
| Office work |
Mould |
| Outdoor work | Wood dust |
| Painting, insulating, and industrial coating | Isocyanates |
| Pest control |
Dust mites |
|
Working with wood and wood products |
Wood dust Western Red Cedar dust |
Resources
Isocyanate Exposure
This video highlights the hazards of isocyanates during the application of finish coatings. Depending on the length of exposure and the level of worker protection, health effects range from burns to...
Isocyanate Exposure in Homes
This video illustrates the hazards of isocyanates in spray forms to both workers and homeowners.
Mould Exposure
This video shows how mould can grow quickly on damp materials such as cardboard, paper, wood and drywall. As mould grows, it releases spores into the air. Exposure to mould spores can affect your health,...
Western Red Cedar Asthma
A pamphlet that explains what occupational asthma is. This pamphlet also explains the symptoms of red cedar asthma, how it is diagnosed, how it is treated, who is susceptible to it, and how it can be prevented.