Richardson Law
Occupational Asthma
Occupational Asthma Solicitors in Leeds - Industrial Disease
Occupational asthma is an allergic reaction that can occur in some people when they are exposed to substances in the workplace, for example flour, textile fibres or wood dust in the workplace. These substances are called 'respiratory sensitisers' and they can cause a change in people's airways, known as the 'hyersensitive state'.
Work-related asthma or asthma made worse by work is a broader category and includes exposure to substances in the workplace that irritate the airways of individuals with pre-existing asthma.
How can you tell if your asthma is due to your work?
- Do you have chest tightness, wheeze, cough or breathlessness?
- Is it better on days away from work?
- Is it better on holiday?
If you can answer 'Yes' to these questions and you have breathing problems that improve away from work then you may have occupational asthma. Occupational asthma occurs in smokers and non-smokers', those who have had asthma before and those who haven't; and in those who have just been exposed to a new agent at work and those who have been in the same job for many years.
