About Worksite Asthma Triggers

Dust, mold, fumes, chemicals and other substances at work can trigger asthma and make it worse. In fact, more than 300 substances in the workplace are known to cause or worsen asthma.

Know What’s Triggering Your Asthma at Work

Many people with asthma are exposed to dust, mold, fumes, chemicals and other triggers while they work. Understanding what may be causing or worsening your symptoms can help you reduce their effects, prevent flare-ups and stay healthier at work.

Common Workplace Asthma Triggers 

Explore this interactive tool to identify asthma triggers at your workplace.

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Information For Employees

Some asthma triggers can be job-related and depend on your work setting. It's important for you to know whether your asthma might be caused or made worse at your workplace so that you can take steps to eliminate or minimize the risk.

 

Could My Job be Affecting My Asthma?

Work-related asthma causes the same symptoms as other types of asthma, including wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. 

Here are some things to look for:

  • You cough or wheeze more while you're at work.
  • Your symptoms get worse as the workday or workweek goes on.
  • Your symptoms improve on weekends or vacations. 
  • Your symptoms begin after starting a new job or taking on new tasks at work.
What Should I Do If I Think I Have Work-Related Asthma?
  • Tell your doctor or other healthcare provider.
  • Your healthcare provider may run some tests to determine whether your asthma is work-related.
  • Keep track of your asthma symptoms and whether they improve on weekends or vacations.
  • If you do have work-related asthma, you may be able to request a “reasonable accommodation” from your employer to support breathing easy while working.
Is Treating Work-Related Asthma Different Than Regular Asthma?

Treatment for work-related asthma is similar to other types of asthma, including using inhalers, allergy medications, etc. The biggest difference is reducing your exposure to the things at work that trigger your symptoms. 

Depending on your workplace, that could include:

  • Wearing a mask or respirator
  • Reducing exposure to dust, mold and chemicals
  • Having a no-scent policy at work
  • Improving ventilation or installing an air purifier
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Common Worksite Triggers

  • Dust (including wood, grain, flour and metal dust) 
  • Mold, pollen and other plant materials 
  • Animal dander, insects and dust mites 
  • Cleaning products and other chemicals 
  • Fumes, vapors and strong odors (including perfumes and scents) 
  • Cigarette smoke and wood smoke 
  • Cold air

Information for Employers

Employers play an important role in identifying and reducing workplace asthma triggers to help create a safe and healthy environment for everyone, particularly people with asthma. Worksite triggers can:

  • Reduce worker concentration and safety
  • Increase missed workdays
  • Reduce productivity
  • Cause discomfort or increase the risk of asthma flare-ups for employees, clients and visitors

 

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Identify Asthma Triggers in Your Workplace

Not sure what asthma triggers are present in your workplace? The Worksite Walkthrough tool can help you and your employees identify common triggers and find practical ways to reduce your exposure. 

Complete the walkthrough online

Download a printable version

Check out these videos on work-related asthma from the Centers for Disease Control:

What is Work-Related Asthma?
Diagnosing Work-Related Asthma
The Impact of Work-Related Asthma
The Prevention and Treatment of Work-Related Asthma

Questions? Call the Vermont Department of Health/Environmental Health at 802-863-7220, extension 0, or contact [email protected].

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