Asthma and The Work Place

www.hse.gov.uk/condocs/cd164.htm

. The intention is to focus on a reduction in occupational asthma caused by the eight commonest causes of occupational asthma:

The objective is to reduce true allergen-induced occupational asthma. Chemicals carry statutory data sheets which include 'R' numbers. All substances where there is a risk of sensitisation by inhalation must have the risk phrase R42 on the packaging and in the data sheet.

If you think your asthma is work-related look for an R42. If it is present -see your doctor.

Isocyanates (spray painters and other metal and electrical processors)

Flour/grain (bakers, other food processors, farmers and farm workers)

glutaraldehyde (nurses, dark room technicians)

wood dust (wood workers particularly with hard woods)

latex (nurses, auxiliaries and laboratory technicians)

laboratory animals (lab technicians, scientists and assistants + those servicing the equipment)

glues and resins (especially epoxy) [metal and electrical processors, construction and mining etc)

solder and colophony (welders, solderers or electronic assemblers etc)

 

The intention is to reduce the incidence of occupational asthma by 20% by the year 2010

In the draft strategy general practice is recognised as an important area where the problems can be addressed.