Work-related asthma: what workers are most at risk?

National Asthma Awareness Week is from 1-7 September this year. It’s a time to consider the impact asthma has on its sufferers, how we can improve quality of life for those affected, and how the prevalence of asthma can be reduced.

Too often, asthma is caused by work-related exposure. But which workers are most at risk?

Over 360 compounds and processes have been described as causes of work-related asthma or work-exacerbated asthma.

They include many substances common to industrial settings, like diesel fumes, smoke, metals, latex, dyes and adhesives. These are present in the air of many workplaces, including factories, warehouses and workshops. Isocyanates — very hazardous chemicals used in manufacturing substances like rubber, plastic and foam — are also linked to asthma.

Food-related inhalable substances including the dust of coffee beans and soybeans, milk powder, egg powder, flour and wheat have all been implicated. So, if you’re manufacturing, processing, or transporting food, you might be at risk unless proper safety precautions are taken.

Asthma-causing substances also include those that might be found, intentionally or unintentionally, in almost any workplace—like mould.

The wide range of asthma-causing chemicals means a wide range of workers are at higher risk of work-related asthma: welders and woodworkers, pastry-makers and hairdressers, farmers and veterinarians, and more.

Work-related asthma: a common experience

It is estimated that 2.7 million Australians suffer from asthma—that’s 1 in 9 people.

Studies indicate that 16% of people who developed asthma as an adult have occupational asthma, while the prevalence of work-exacerbated asthma—existing asthma worsened by workplace conditions—is 21.5%.

Work-related asthma accounts for at least 200 workers’ compensation claims annually in Australia.