Occupational disease
Occupational asthma
Apr
Occupational asthma (also known as work-related bronchial asthma) occurs when exposure to agents such as smoke, dust, chemicals, etc. in the workplace triggers asthma attacks, which can be acute or become more severe, making treatment difficult. Therefore, if occupational bronchial asthma is not accurately diagnosed and treated promptly, it may cause permanent lung damage, disability, or even death.
1. What is occupational asthma?
Occupational bronchial asthma is a form of asthma caused by harmful agents in the workplace such as dust, chemical fumes, smoke, toxins from production environments, or work processes. Occupational bronchial asthma may result from exposure to a sensitizing substance—triggering an allergic or immune response—or from exposure to an irritant toxic substance.
Like other types of bronchial asthma, occupational asthma can cause chest tightness, wheezing, and shortness of breath. People with allergies or a family history of allergies are more likely to develop occupational asthma.
2. Occupations at risk of occupational asthma
High-risk occupations for occupational asthma include:
- Metalworking industries such as mechanical processing, automobile manufacturing, metal casting, grinding, and cutting, which present a high risk of occupational asthma.
- Chemical industries: The production, transport, and use of chemicals—especially hazardous chemicals—can irritate the respiratory tract and cause occupational asthma.
- Pulp and paper production: Paper and pulp factories may generate wood dust and harmful chemical agents, posing a risk of occupational asthma.
- Wood manufacturing and processing: Workers in woodworking, shipbuilding, furniture manufacturing, and sawing activities may inhale wood dust and other chemical compounds.
- Textile and leather manufacturing: Textile and leather factories can be hazardous to workers’ health due to the production of dust and harmful chemical compounds.
- Mining: Miners are exposed to harmful agents such as dust, smoke, and chemicals.
- Construction: Construction workers frequently work in environments containing dust and toxic chemicals that may lead to occupational asthma.
Additionally, many other occupations may carry risks depending on the level and duration of exposure to harmful agents.
3. Mechanisms and causes of occupational asthma
Harmful agents such as dust, smoke, chemical fumes, and decomposition substances can activate immune cells in the lungs, causing inflammatory and allergic reactions. When an allergic response develops, immune cells produce substances called IgE antibodies, triggering a chain reaction that leads to asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
In addition, the mechanism of occupational asthma is related to the level and duration of exposure to harmful agents. Prolonged exposure without proper protective measures increases the risk of developing occupational asthma.
In summary, the mechanism of occupational asthma involves allergic reactions in the lungs to harmful agents, triggering immune cell responses that cause inflammation. The causes are directly linked to the duration and intensity of exposure.
4. Symptoms of occupational asthma
Symptoms of occupational bronchial asthma resemble those of other asthma types. Signs and symptoms include:
- Wheezing, sometimes only at night.
- Coughing.
- Shortness of breath.
- Chest tightness.
Other accompanying signs and symptoms may include:
- Runny nose.
- Nasal congestion.
- Eye irritation and tearing.
Symptoms depend on the substance involved, duration, frequency of exposure, and other factors. Symptoms may:
- Worsen during the workweek, improve on weekends and holidays, and recur upon returning to work.
- Occur both at the workplace and outside of it.
- Begin immediately upon exposure to a triggering substance or after prolonged repeated exposure.
- Continue even after exposure stops. The longer the exposure, the greater the likelihood of developing chronic bronchial symptoms.
5. Harmful effects of occupational asthma
Occupational asthma is a chronic and progressively worsening condition. Without timely and proper treatment, it may cause severe health impacts. Some harmful effects include:
- Reduced mobility: Occupational asthma causes airway constriction, making breathing difficult, reducing mobility, and potentially leading to loss of work capacity.
- Asthma attacks: Occupational asthma causes asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, which may cause significant discomfort.
- Increased risk of other diseases: People with occupational asthma have higher risks of pneumonia, bronchitis, heart failure, and other respiratory illnesses.
- Fatigue and discomfort: Symptoms may cause fatigue, discomfort, and reduced quality of life.
- Mental health issues: Occupational asthma can cause anxiety, insecurity about the future, and may lead to depression or other psychological issues.
In summary, occupational asthma has many health and quality-of-life impacts, especially when not treated properly. Preventive measures and regular health monitoring are essential.
6. Complications of occupational asthma
The longer the exposure to asthma-triggering substances, the more severe the symptoms may become, and recovery time increases even after exposure stops. In some cases, exposure to airborne asthma-inducing agents may cause permanent lung damage, disability, or death.
Discover the occupational asthma risk assessment tool to evaluate potential workplace risks. This assessment provides a series of questions about workplace conditions, chemical exposure, humidity, smoke, animals, and other factors affecting respiratory health.
Each question assigns points based on exposure level and potential risks. The total score determines the overall occupational asthma risk, helping users understand their work environment and decide whether to seek medical advice.
Using this tool is a simple step toward identifying potential risks and improving occupational health awareness.
7. Personal protective equipment needed to prevent occupational asthma
Protective equipment is designed to safeguard workers’ health and eyes from harmful workplace agents. To prevent occupational asthma, workers should use appropriate protective equipment, including:
- Respirators: Designed to protect the respiratory tract from harmful airborne substances. Workers should choose respirators suitable for the type of particles, fumes, or toxic gases present.
- Safety goggles: Designed to protect the eyes from harmful substances and airborne particles.
- Face masks: Used to protect the respiratory tract from dust, bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances.
- Protective clothing: Designed to protect workers from harmful substances in the work environment.
- Protective gloves: Protect hands from harmful substances.
In summary, appropriate protective equipment is essential for preventing occupational asthma and protecting workers from harmful exposures.
8. Compensation for workers with occupational asthma
In Vietnam, workers with occupational asthma may receive compensation under the Social Insurance Law, Labor Law, and related guiding documents.
According to the Social Insurance Law, workers with occupational asthma are entitled to:
- Social insurance allowances during treatment, recovery, and reintegration.
- Compensation from employers: If asthma results from unsafe machinery, tools, or materials, employers must compensate for the damage caused.
- Social insurance benefits: If occupational asthma leads to death, the worker’s family may receive insurance payments.
Additionally, employers must ensure safe working conditions, hygiene, and preventive measures against occupational diseases. Violations may require compensation for resulting damages.
9. Treatment for occupational asthma
Avoiding asthma-triggering substances is essential. However, once sensitized, even small amounts may cause immediate symptoms despite using masks or respirators. Treatment aims to prevent symptoms and control ongoing asthma attacks.
When prescribing medication, doctors must consider the patient’s age, symptoms, and triggering agents to provide optimal asthma control.
If asthma is allergy-triggered, treatment may include desensitization therapy, antihistamines, nasal sprays, and decongestants.
10. How to prevent occupational asthma
The best way to prevent occupational asthma is to control workers’ exposure to chemicals and other sensitizing or irritating agents. Measures include improved exposure-control methods, using less toxic substances, and providing personal protective equipment.
Workers with occupational asthma should:
- Quit smoking: This helps prevent or reduce asthma symptoms.
- Get vaccinated for influenza and pneumococcal disease.
- Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other medicines that may worsen symptoms.
- Lose weight: For obese individuals, weight loss may improve symptoms and lung function.
Upon detecting occupational asthma, workers should reduce exposure levels and seek medical care if symptoms worsen.
11. Employer responsibilities in preventing occupational asthma
Employers must provide a safe and healthy working environment, including prevention of occupational diseases such as asthma.
Specifically, employers must:
- Ensure workplace hygiene and safety, keeping the environment clean and well-ventilated.
- Provide adequate personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to harmful agents.
- Implement regular health checks, monitoring, and ensuring workers do not face excessive exposure.
- Train employees in occupational disease prevention.
- Control air quality, reduce exposure to harmful substances, and use advanced technology to minimize risks.
- Conduct occupational environment monitoring and report results regularly to improve workplace conditions.
12. National Occupational Environment Monitoring Center
The Occupational Environment Monitoring Center of Nam Việt is a professional unit providing workplace environmental monitoring services nationwide across Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern equipment ensuring accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center assists clients with planning, handling, and tracking workplace environmental issues. With the motto “customer-centered,” the center prioritizes customer satisfaction and provides the best solutions for businesses.
With investments in technology, expertise, and personnel, Nam Việt’s monitoring center has become a reputable unit in Ho Chi Minh City with the following goals:
- We prioritize brand reputation and service quality.
- We provide clients with the best and most appropriate solutions.
- Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to environmental protection and business efficiency.
- With Nam Việt’s Occupational Environment Monitoring team, your company will receive professional service, expert support, and the best cost advantages.
13. Occupational environment monitoring service pricing
To help businesses conduct monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Việt provides a high-quality and reasonably priced occupational environment monitoring service price list.
- Our price list offers detailed pricing information for monitoring services, including travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting costs. Clients can trust the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring reports we provide.
- We commit to offering the most competitive and reasonable prices and always provide prompt and professional consultation.
- With Nam Việt’s price list, clients can easily select packages appropriate to their needs. We guarantee maximum satisfaction with our professional services.
