May is Asthma Awareness Month, so it's a good time to focus on preventing this disease in the workplace. Industries where workers are most prone to develop work-related asthma include construction, transportation, equipment manufacturing, lumber and wood manufacturing, local transit, firefighters, correctional officers, and welfare clerks.

Work-related asthma (WRA) is generally contracted in one of two ways. The most common is exposure to allergens; less common is an isolated exposure to an irritant. Chances are, once the irritant is removed, the condition will disappear. When that is not possible, drug treatment may be necessary.

In the early stages of WRA, symptoms may not appear until hours after the exposure, and may disappear completely when there is no exposure, such as on weekends. Symptoms to watch for include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and tightness of the chest.

Here are some ways you can help protect your workers from work-related asthma:

1. If possible, change the manufacturing process or add modern industrial hygiene technology.
2. Use exhaust ventilation to remove dust and allergens from the air.
3. Establish a medical surveillance program for early identification.
4. Train employees regarding warning signs.
5. Avoid outdoor labor when the pollen count is high.
6. Relocate workers with asthma.
7. Allow employees to use allergy medicines at work.
8. Assist employees in getting medical care when needed.
9. Provide time and facilities for overall employee fitness.
10. Encourage employees to report the onset of asthma symptoms early.

The U.S. Department of Health Services operates the Sentinel Event Notification System for Occupational Risks (SENSOR), which identifies industries and occupations that put workers at risk for WRA. California law requires physicians to report suspected cases of work-related asthma to SENSOR in order to aid in pinpointing problem areas.

Additional Resources:

American Lung Association: Occupational Asthma

California Department of Health Services: Tracking Work-Related Asthma