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Healthy Workplaces
In the U.S., an estimated 15% of adult asthma is related to occupational factors. Occupational asthma includes "new-onset" asthma, or asthma that occurs for the first time in response to allergens or irritants in the workplace, and "work-aggravated" asthma, or pre-existing asthma made worse by workplace exposure.
Workers most likely to develop the disease are those with a personal or family history of allergies or asthma and frequent exposure to highly sensitizing substances, but the disease can also develop in individuals with no known allergies.
The primary industries for occupational asthma are: transportation, equipment manufacturing, health services and educational services. Laborers represent 33% of cases, management and professionals 20%, and technical and administrative support workers 19%.
The top reported exposure agents are: chemicals, indoor air pollution, dust, cleaning materials, cutting oils, smoke, paint, latex and mold.
NH Resources for Employees and Employers
NH Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health (NHCOSH):
Hooksett, NH 03106
Phone: 603-232-4406
nhcosh@nhcosh.org
Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) - Concord Area Office :
53 Pleasant Street, Room 3901
Concord, NH 03301
Phone: (603) 225-1629
Fax: (603) 225-1580
Contact: George L. Kliens, C.I.H., OSHA - Assistant Area Director for Concord, NH Area Office
National Resources
U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety & Health Administration
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health - Health Hazard Evaluation Program
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
MEDLINEplus Medical Encyclopedia: Occupational Asthma
Professional Organizations
American Association of Occupational Health Nurses
American Board of Industrial Hygiene
American College of Governmental and Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)
American College of Governmental and Industrial Hygienist's Link Section: Includes a comprehensive list of websites useful for the occupational health and safety professional.
American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
American Industrial Hygiene Association
American Safety and Health Institute
Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics
National Environmental Health Association