Asthma

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Advice for employers on prevention of occupational asthma submitted by Simon Pickvance — last modified 2010-04-14 16:34

HSE Webpage on duties of employers to control and monitor occupational asthma

Asthma submitted by Rowan Merewood — last modified 2010-03-10 22:38

Between 5-10% of the general population suffers from asthma. International surveys suggest that between 1 in 10 or 1 in 5 of these asthmas are related to work. This means that at least 1% of the population suffer from an occupational asthma – or over quarter of a million workers. A recent government survey confirmed that breathing problems are the second most common health problem caused by work. If you have attacks of shortness of breath and they started when you were at work or were made worse by work, your asthma may be occupational.

Asthma guidance for GPs from BOHRF submitted by WHIG Administrator — last modified 2010-03-03 17:02

Results of an evidence review on the management of occupational asthma for GPs

Asthma Sensitisers submitted by Rowan Merewood — last modified 2010-02-26 19:30

These are substances to which exposure is known to contribute to occupational asthma.

Case Studies - Painting (Motor vehicles) submitted by HSE — last modified 2010-03-03 16:34

A series of brief case studies of workers in motor vehicle repair using isocyanate paints. It illustrates some of the poor or dangerous working practices that can lead to related health problems, such as asthma, chest pains, dermatitis and more.

HSE - Solder Fume and You submitted by WHIG Administrator — last modified 2010-02-26 17:57

This leaflet tells you about possible health hazards from solder fume when using flux materials containing rosin, sometimes known as colophony. It also explains what your employer has to do and the precautions you should take.

isocyanates and health submitted by Simon Pickvance — last modified 2010-04-14 16:57

French website with details of respiratory (lung) problems due to isocyanates and arthralgia, joint pain, etc.

list of chemical asthmagens submitted by Simon Pickvance — last modified 2010-03-03 16:15

This is a list of asthmagens based on the work of Chan-Yeung and Malo, from the HAZMAP database

metalworking fluids submitted by Simon Pickvance — last modified 2010-04-14 16:32

Health and Safety Executive webpage leading to resources on control of metalworking fluids (cutting oil, soluble oil, etc) in engineering.

Motor Vehicle Repair submitted by HSE — last modified 2010-03-03 16:34

The HSE's page that collects together the hazards of working in motor vehicle repair and best practice for keeping safe in that environment. Covers the topics of painting, fumes, welding, noise, vibration, chemicals, and more.

Peak flow measurements submitted by Simon Pickvance — last modified 2010-04-14 17:11

New standard peak flow values for adults, for use in occupational asthma surveillance

Peak Flow Record submitted by Simon Pickvance — last modified 2010-02-26 19:30

This is a recording for for measuring your peak flow readings throughout the week. The aim of this recording form is to find the cause of breathing or chest problems at work. It can help with making the case for changes in the workplace, claiming Disablement Benefit for occupational asthma, in a civil damages claim, and helping you to manage your asthma better.

Safe Working with 2-pack isocyanate paints submitted by HSE — last modified 2010-03-03 16:35

A guide from the HSE on working with 2-pack isocyanate paints which are used widely in motor vehicle repair. It covers the health risks from these paints, such as asthma, dermatitis and other conditions. It also details preventative measures that should be taken in the workplace.

TUC - Asthma submitted by WHIG Administrator — last modified 2010-02-26 14:14

Asthma is an inflammatory disorder of the airways which leads to them becoming inflamed, muscles in the airways tightening, and too much mucus being produced. As the airways narrow, the air has more difficulty getting in and out and this is what causes the person with asthma to have problems in breathing. Asthma symptoms can include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and a tightening around the chest. For some sufferers the symptoms are so severe that they cannot work again. Occupational asthma is caused when workers breathe in substances at work that leads to them developing a sensitivity to it. The body sets off an immune reaction to the substance, and any further exposure can bring about an attack. In some cases the symptoms develop immediately after exposure, but for some people they will not appear until several hours later, often at night.