Most people who go to work don't expect to end up at the emergency
room for asthma. According to a Work-Related Asthma Prevention Program
(WRAPP) pilot study, an estimated 1 in 4 adults who wound up in the ER
for asthma in 2016 were there because of their exposures from work.
The study also found that 60% of people surveyed by phone after ER
visits experienced asthma symptoms due to work at some point in their
lives.
During Asthma Awareness Month in May, workplaces can share information
in multiple languages about preventing work-related asthma by
decreasing or eliminating exposures. Examples include having a
fragrance-free policy, using asthma-safer cleaning products, cleaning
with microfiber, and minimizing wood dust in the air.
Photo: Hospital workers can be exposed to disinfectants that can
trigger or cause asthma.
Resources
Work-Related Asthma Prevention Program (WRAPP) - OHB website
Cleaning Products, Disinfectants, and Work-Related Asthma - OHB topic page
Fragrances and Work-Related Asthma - OHB topic page
Pool Chemicals and Work-Related Asthma - OHB topic page
Wood Dust and Work-Related Asthma - OHB topic page
Source:
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DEODC/OHB/Pages/OHWMay2019.aspx