Anyone who has asthma knows that the condition can be difficult to control or flare up at a moment’s notice. Some workplace environments in Minnesota can cause the breathing condition to develop in those who are prone to it or even exacerbate it.
Many different substances can increase asthma symptoms
Asthma triggers are plentiful, but they also vary from person to person. What causes asthma to develop or become severe in one person may have no effect on another individual, even if both work in the same building. Work-related asthma is one of the most common workplace illnesses. Among the most common triggers are:
- Chlorine-based cleaning products
- Dust mites and dust from wood, grains, flour or green coffee beans
- Gases like ozone
- Irritant chemicals
- Metal dust
- Strong fumes and vapors from chemicals
- Wood smoke
Work environments that can cause exposure
The U.S Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recognize that some environments are more prone than others to cause workplace illnesses. Many have a heavy use of chemicals that are specific to the industry. These include but are not limited to:
- Animal health
- Cleaning services
- Cosmetology
- Farming and food production
- Healthcare
- Industrial, manufacturing or production
- Laboratories
- Offices and Education
What if your workplace caused your asthma?
Employers have a responsibility to keep their employees safe from workplace illnesses, even in environments where there is a known risk of exposure. Even if your workplace doesn’t fall into one of the categories listed above, your workplace could have caused your asthma if one or more triggers are present. Having a complete examination by an asthma specialist can help determine your triggers.
If you believe that your asthma has either been caused or worsened by workplace exposure to triggers, consult a workers’ compensation lawyer to determine if you may have a case.
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