Workers

"Employers and their health and safety personnel should inform workers about any causes of occupational asthma in the workplace and the need to report any relevant symptoms as soon as they develop" - UK Occupational asthma guidelines

Occupational asthma information for workers, those diagnosed with occupational asthma and concerned friends and family.

The jobs section contains information on the dangers of occupational asthma in selected jobs. Causative agents / sensitiers, references and links are provided.
The agents section contains information on the occupational asthma causative agents / sensitisers. Related jobs, references and links are provided.

Have I got occupational asthma?

In order to find out if you have occupational asthma you will need to measure your breathing and have the results analysed. Follow the links below (preferably in order) to find out how. In the UK you can simply go to your GP and inform them that you may have occupational asthma.

			Is my asthma likely to be due to my work?
			How do I measure my breathing?
			I need a peak flow meter, how do I get one?
			How to get my peak flow record analysed
			Finding the cause of the occupational asthma

Discussions for workers

You can comment on the latest question from a worker:

I have been diagnosed with OA and have had to leave my previous job. My employer followed all the HSE guidelines, the OH dept did their job, everyone followed due process. But I still ended up having to leave my job as no reasonable adjustment could be found to enable me to keep working. I now have generalised hypersensitivity. The Industrial Injury benefit pays me less per month than I used to earn in a day. The disability advisor at the local JobCentre told me that they could offer me no retraining, I was effectively unemployable due to the generalised hypersensitivity, and had I thought about starting my own business! From reading through the website, it seems that this outcome is not that uncommon on an individual basis. I have had a deal of sympathy from all concerned but sympathy doesn't pay the bills!

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Restrict to questions from Workers?

If there no existing questions that can help then you can ask a new question:

Worker Resources

Data entry sheet for recording serial peak flow

Pages for Workers

			Instructions for the Mini-Wright Meter
			Instructions for the Piko-1 Meter
			Instructions for using the Vitalograph PEF/FEV1 Diary
			Bird Fancier's Lung
			Swimming Pool Asthma

Links for Workers

	British Lung Foundation
The British Lung Foundation is the only charity in the UK that funds research into the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure of all lung diseases. It also runs the Breathe Easy network, offering information and support to lung condition sufferers, their friends, families, carers and health professionals.
http://www.lunguk.org

	WebMD Health - Asthma and Occupational Asthma
This United States website has a lot of non technical information about asthma and some about occupational asthma. It clearly explains the basics and goes on to talk about asthma triggers, diagnosis and treatment options, living with asthma day to day, instructions for taking different types of inhalers and suchlike.
http://www.webmd.com/content/article/46/1660_51089?z=1660_51062_6507_00_10

	American Lung Association (includes other hazards and diseases besides asthma)
A voluntary US organisation aiming to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. A lot of specialist and non specialist information. Over 200 local centres within the US.
http://www.lungusa.org/occupational/index.html

	European Lung Foundation - Science Update
Presents the latest scientific Lung research in a simple, understandable format for the layperson. Covers all lung conditions and not just occupational asthma.
http://www.european-lung-foundation.org/index.php?id=136

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