Occupational asthma is a lung disorder characterized by attacks of
Alternative Names
Asthma - occupational exposure; Irritant-induced reactive airways disease
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
There are many agents in the workplace that can cause occupational asthma. Most commonly, these include protein molecules (wood dust, grain dust, animal dander, fungi) or other chemicals (especially di-isocyanates).
Though the actual rate of occurrence of occupational asthma is unknown, it is suspected to cause 2-20% of all cases of asthma in industrialized nations.
The following workers are at higher risk:
- Plastics workers
- Metal workers
- Bakers
- Millers
- Farmers
- Grain elevator workers
- Laboratory workers
- Woodworkers
- Drug manufacturers
- Detergent manufacturers





















