Occupational asthma: Legal expert sets out what the condition is and how workers may not have explored their jobs could be a possible cause
Work-related asthma is a significant concern in the UK, as highlighted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The condition can be caused by exposure to airborne substances like flour, wood dust, or isocyanates - chemical compounds which can be found in paints, coatings, foams, glues and flooring - in the workplace.
Certain industries such as construction, baking, healthcare, and manufacturing can often involve environments where triggers known to cause asthma are prevalent.
The key modern regulations to protect workers' health include the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH).
Symptoms of asthma
In certain cases, asthma can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, rhinitis - which can include sneezing and a runny nose - as well as conjunctivitis - itchy and inflamed red eyes. The effects of asthma can be very variable, with some only affected during asthma attacks and with others being unable to carry shopping, walk up the stairs, or play with their children.
Types of work-related asthma
Occupational asthma is an umbrella term describing the main different conditions, which are caused or made worse by exposures to substances at work
Sensitisation asthma
This can be split into two types - either a new sensitisation to a product of chemical or the triggering of existing asthma where the symptoms are worsened by the exposure.
Some people with pre-existing asthma will have their symptoms worsened by exposures to substances. These symptoms can be brought on through exposures to dusts, fumes, and other substances that irritate the respiratory system.
However, sensitisation asthma can also be a form of asthma caused by an allergic reaction to a workplace allergen. Because the reaction is allergic, depending on the individual, some people can develop work-related asthma after what may appear to be low level exposures to sensitisers, highlighting the need for effective workplace controls and preventive measures.
Well-known workplace allergens include isocyanates, flour and other food enzymes, and acid in some wood dusts, or latex.
Irritant-induced occupational asthma
This can occur suddenly after a single, high-level exposure to irritants like chemical fumes or gases. A subtype of this is Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome (RADS), which develops quickly without prior sensitisation.
The impact of work-related asthma in the UK
In the UK, around 5.4 million people receive treatment for asthma treatment with approximately 160,000 people diagnosed each year with work-based, or occupational asthma, according to the NHS. This accounts for about nine to 15 per cent of adult-onset asthma.
The reality is that the underreporting of occupational asthma cases is a persistent challenge in the UK, impacting efforts to fully understand and address the condition.
Many affected workers may not recognise their symptoms as work-related, while others might hesitate to report symptoms due to fear of job loss, stigmatisation, or lack of awareness about legal rights and protections.
This underreporting distorts statistics, making it difficult to assess the true prevalence and risks associated with occupational asthma. It's thought that the actual percentage of occupational asthma cases could be higher than the published figures.
Helping workers affected by asthma
The impact of work-related asthma and the range of chemicals which can be linked to the condition is demonstrated by my experiences representing clients.
One of my cases involves a client who says his condition is as a result of exposure to battery acid. He alleges exposure to substances such as carbon black, ketjen and Teflon.
In another case, I represent a man who worked at a well-known bakery and alleges that flour dust exposure caused his condition. In other cases, Irwin Mitchell has represented cleaners who developed asthma after using certain chemical cleaners.
It's important to note that where a person has pre-existing asthma, it's still possible for their asthma to be exacerbated by substances in the workplace. Similarly, even if a person is sensitised to a particular product, it's still possible that asthma is triggered by such a product, because prolonged exposure or a lack of respiratory protection.
Seeking help and advice
If you suspect that you're suffering from occupational asthma, seeking a consultant referral is an important step towards a proper diagnosis and effective management.
Occupational health specialists or respiratory consultants have the expertise to identify the specific workplace exposures causing your symptoms. They can perform tailored tests, such as lung function assessments or allergen identification, to confirm the condition.
A referral not only helps in accessing the right treatment but also provides valuable documentation for workplace adjustments or compensation claims.
Medical professionals should be encouraged to check whether symptoms are worse or better away from work such as on the weekend, or during holidays.
As well as securing compensation and access to ongoing specialist therapies those diagnosed with workplace asthma may need, at Irwin Mitchell we also work with the charity Asthma + Lung.
We help to run the charity’s 150 volunteer-led support groups and our legal experts regularly speak at meetings to provide more information on the support available to those living with the condition.
Increased education, workplace transparency, and robust reporting mechanisms are essential to ensure that workers feel empowered to come forward and seek the help they need.
Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting employees affected by workplace asthma and other conditions at our dedicated industrial disease claims section.
