Every breath you take…

A report published in 2013 by the journal, Thorax, suggests exposure to substances at work is a factor in one in six cases of adult-onset asthma among British people in their mid-50s.

What is occupational asthma?

Occupational asthma is caused directly by work and is usually the result of a reaction that can occur when an individual is exposed to respiratory sensitisers such as paints, varnishes, fumes and dusts. These inhaled into the lungs over a long period of time can cause asthma symptoms, such as shortness of breath, wheezing and painful coughing, which prevent people from doing the simplest of tasks. Occupational asthma can be a serious condition leading to severe chronic asthma if exposure to harmful substances continues.

Isocyanate is the biggest single cause of occupational asthma in the UK and vehicle paint sprayers are the work group at greatest risk. It is estimated that this group is 80 times more likely to suffer occupational asthma than the average UK worker. Other occupations at risk include woodworkers, bakers and agricultural workers.

Protecting workers

Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations, employers are required to substitute hazardous substances for less harmful products if this is reasonably practicable. If this isn’t possible, employers must implement adequate control measures. 

Occupational hygienists are the experts in disease prevention. They specialise in assessing the risks associated with hazards, measuring worker exposures to these risks and in proposing practical solutions for employers to put in place which will control or even eliminate the risks.

Biological monitoring

Taking the example of the vehicle paint sprayers, a practical way of measuring their exposure to isocyanate is by analysis of isocyanate metabolites in a urine sample.

Known as biological monitoring, this is a cost effective and straightforward way of assessing exposure to chemical substances and sets a benchmark against which to compare exposure measurement results.

Biological monitoring programmes can be used in the workplace to identify exposures to chemical substances and monitor the impact of any control improvements implemented as a consequence. Over time, these programmes can lead to the reduction of the risk of ill health as a result of chemical exposure.

Prevention

With many occupational health conditions, prevention is essential as there is no cure. David O’Malley, President of BOHS, the Chartered Society for Worker Health protection, said: "Occupational asthma and other occupational diseases can be prevented through better recognition and control of the risks, through occupational hygiene measures. BOHS calls on government, industry and workers representatives to work with us in raising the awareness of occupational asthma and other diseases in the UK, and eradicate new cases through cost-effective control.

"It is prevention rather than cure that will help reduce the incidence of occupational diseases and make for healthier workplaces.”

To find out more information, please visit www.bohs.org or follow us on Twitter via @BOHSworld