Occupational Asthma
Overview
Asthma is the most prevalent work-related lung disease according to the American Lung Association, (ALA 2008) and NIOSH estimates that more than 2 million people may have work-related asthma (NIOSH 2012). Work-related asthma includes asthma caused by work, termed occupational asthma, and asthma aggravated by work, termed work-exacerbated asthma.
Standards
Occupational asthma is addressed in specific OSHA standards for recordkeeping and general industry.
Hazard Recognition
Provides information about the characteristics and symptoms of occupational asthma.
Possible Solutions
Provides information regarding possible solutions for hazards associated with occupational asthma.
Additional Resources
Provides links and references to additional resources related to occupational asthma.
Highlights
- Isocyanates: Do You Have Work-Related Asthma? A Guide for You and Your Doctor. OSHA Fact Sheet (Publication 3707), (2014).
- Transitioning to Safer Chemicals: A Toolkit for Employers and Workers. OSHA, (2013). OSHA has developed this step-by-step toolkit to provide employers and workers with information, methods, tools, and guidance on using informed substitution in the workplace.