Occupational factors account for approximately one in six cases of asthma in adults of working age, including new onset or recurrent disease. Asthma is ‘work-related’ when there is an association between symptoms and work. The most frequently reported respiratory sensitisers include isocyanates, flour and grain dust, colophony and fluxes, latex, animals, aldehydes and wood dust. The likelihood of developing occupational asthma appears to be related to the level and duration of exposure to the causative agent.
Health surveillance is required for employees potentially exposed to respiratory senstisers.
For further guidance and information regarding substances hazardous to health visit the dedicated HSE site: http://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/