Cinnaminson, New Jersey, February 20, 2025
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports that there are over 300 known substances in the workplace that can cause or worsen asthma. The agency describes work-related asthma, also referred to as occupational asthma, as asthma triggered by exposures at work.
Symptoms of work-related asthma are the same as those for non-work related asthma, and may include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. NIOSH warns that asthma symptoms can come and go, and some workers might not have all of the symptoms.
Exposure to various irritants, allergens, and physical conditions could act as work-related asthma triggers. Some examples listed by NIOSH include:
- Animal dander, insects, and dust mites
- Chlorine-based cleaning products
- Cigarette smoke
- Materials from cockroaches
- Cold air
- Dust from wood, grain, flour, or green coffee beans
- Gases such as ozone
“In addition to mold, some of the other asthma triggers listed by NIOSH include irritant chemicals, metal dust, physical exertion, pollen and plants, strong fumes, vapors from chemicals (e.g., ammonia, isocyanates, and solvents), and wood smoke,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “The good news is work-related asthma can often be prevented or controlled by reducing or eliminating exposure to these and other triggers. At EMSL Analytical, our laboratories offer testing services, sampling supplies, and monitoring instruments to detect a wide range of known and suspected asthma triggers, respiratory irritants, and allergens in the workplace. We also supply respirators and other personal protective equipment to help mitigate exposure to these types of substances.”
EMSL recently sponsored an educational video about work-related asthma and occupational exposure risks that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/LQqs8MY82Ns
To learn more about indoor air quality or industrial hygiene testing services and resources, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com. To access test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.
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