Respiratory Health Surveillance

Occupational Asthma is a major occupational health problem. If your work involves a substance that can cause occupational asthma, you should undergo regular health surveillance.

The following substances are known to cause occupational Asthma:

• Isocyanates (e.g. two-pack spray paints)
• Flour dust
• Grain dust
• Glutaraldehyde
• Wood dust
• Latex powdered natural rubber gloves
• Rosin-cored solder fume
• Laboratory animals
• Glues and Resins

These are common occupations/industries where occupational Asthma can occur:

• Motor vehicle repairers – Mechanics
• Bakeries, food processors – Bakers
• Beauty services i.e. – Hairdressers
• Cleaning services – Domestic engineers
• Healthcare services – Nurses, Doctors, Health care workers
• Commercial and Domestic Building/Construction – Builders, Plasterers, Painters
• Electronics – Electricians, Maintenance engineers
• Metal Fabricators – Welders
• Woodworkers (including forestry) – Lumber jack

Other respiratory health risks are lung cancer, upper airway irritation such as Rhinitis and Conjunctivitis.

Most respiratory health surveillance programmes would include:

• Health Questionnaire
• Height Measure – to advise on body mass index (BMI)
• Lung Function test – commonly known as Spirometry/Breathing Test
• Employee leaflet information
• Smoking cessation advice where appropriate
• Blood Pressure

These procedures performed by Spirit Occupational Health Service would be able, to inform management on early signs of both work-related respiratory health issues and none work-related respiratory health issues. Health issues identified early can save businesses time and money.

If you would like further information on Respiratory Screening or any other health surveillance services, please contact Spirit Occupational Health Service on 01952 670665.