What is occupational asthma?
Occupational asthma is asthma caused by breathing in substances like dust and chemicals at work.
If you develop asthma symptoms when you did not have any before, you may have occupational asthma.
Occupational asthma does not always develop as soon as you are exposed to substances. It can take a few weeks to many years to develop.
Occupational asthma is not the same as work-aggravated asthma
If you already have asthma and your work makes it worse, this is not occupational asthma. This is called work-aggravated asthma.
Even if your asthma was not caused by breathing in substances at work, the law says your employer must prevent or control your exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace. Your employer should also arrange reasonable adjustments if your work makes your asthma worse.
Who is at risk of occupational asthma?
There are hundreds of substances that can potentially cause occupational asthma. Some of the more common ones are:
- chemicals called isocyanates, which are found in polyurethane (PU) paints, varnishes, foams, glues, and flooring
- flour dust
- latex
- grain and poultry dust from agriculture
- fumes from rosin, which is used in solder flux
- mist and fumes from metalworking fluids and welding
- wood dust
- fur, feathers, dander, dried urine, and saliva dusts from animals.
Workers at a higher risk of developing occupational asthma include:
- paint sprayers
- bakers and pastry makers
- healthcare workers
- chemical workers
- animal handlers
- welders, solderers and metal workers
- food processing workers
- timber workers
- nail technicians
- agricultural workers.
How is occupational asthma diagnosed?
If you notice asthma symptoms, make an appointment to see your GP.
Your GP will ask you questions, such as:
- Did your asthma symptoms start as an adult?
- Do your symptoms get better on days when you’re not at work?
- Do your symptoms get worse after work or overnight?
They will also ask you about your current job and jobs you have done in the past.
If your GP thinks you may have occupational asthma, they will refer you to a specialist. You will do tests to confirm a diagnosis. These may include:
- A peak flow test. You will need to do this at least four times a day for at least three weeks and keep a diary of the results. Your doctor may also ask you to record what times you do certain tasks at work or are exposed to certain substances.
- Blood tests or skin prick tests. These test whether you may be allergic to something you are exposed to at work.
Some people also have challenge tests. A challenge test involves exposing you to the substance or substances that may be causing the symptoms.
How is occupational asthma treated and managed?
The treatment for occupational asthma is the same as for asthma that is not related to work. Find out more about treatment for asthma.
If you have occupational asthma, the best thing to do if you can is to stop exposure to the substance that has caused it. Around 3 in 10 people with occupational asthma who stop being exposed to the harmful substance make a full recovery.
We have more information on managing asthma.
Your rights at work
Under the Equality Act 2010, your employer must make reasonable adjustments for you if you have occupational asthma. Your doctor will ask for your consent to contact your employer about this. A reasonable adjustment may involve your employer:
- replacing the substance that has caused the occupational asthma with a safe alternative
- moving you to a role where you will not be exposed to the harmful substance.
Depending on what your job involves, it may not be possible for adjustments to be made. The Health and Safety Executive has resources with advice for employers and employees to handle potentially harmful substances safely.
Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Approved Code of Practice, employers must provide information about:
- typical symptoms of asthma
- any substances you may be exposed to that could cause occupational asthma
- how likely occupational asthma is to be permanent
- the procedures for reporting symptoms
- the need to report any potential asthma symptoms immediately.
They must provide training about:
- how to follow health and safety measures correctly
- how to prevent or reduce the substance getting into the air
- how to use protective equipment, if appropriate
- what to do in an emergency.
If your work means you’re exposed to substances that could cause occupational asthma, your employer should provide health checks.
If you have symptoms of occupational asthma, your employer must:
- protect you while the cause of your symptoms is investigated
- review their health and safety assessment and the measures in place to control hazardous substances.
If you develop occupational asthma, your employer must control your exposure to the substance that caused it, to prevent triggering an asthma attack.
Compensation for occupational asthma
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB)
If you have occupational asthma, you may be entitled to claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB). The amount you may get depends on how much your health has been affected.
Citizens Advice has more information about IIDB, including how to apply and how much you could get.
It is important to apply as soon as possible so you do not lose any benefits.
Making a civil claim
If you would like to make a civil claim for compensation from your employer, seek legal advice as soon as possible. You must submit your claim within three years of when you first knew you had the problem.
You should seek the advice of a lawyer experienced in occupational disease claims. If you’re a member of a trade union, your representative will be able to help you find a lawyer. If you’re not a member of a trade union, Citizens Advice has information on finding free or affordable legal help.
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