Have you developed asthma due to poor air quality at work?

 Posted on November 14, 2018 in Firm News

Some people develop occupational diseases like asthma due to prolonged exposure to poor air quality. You may be among them.

If your asthma is a work-related condition, you should explore your eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits and more.

Poor air quality affects everyone

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration releases an annual list of workplace safety violations, and lack of proper respiratory protection is always near the top. Whether you work in an office, a school, a library or some other kind of facility, you could find yourself exposed to poor air quality. You may experience headaches, problems with concentration or irritation of your eyes or nose. Over time, the issue could affect your lungs, and you may develop asthma.

Many factors are present

Many factors can impede the flow of fresh air into a building. Dust could filter in from construction going on outside. High or low humidity can cause breathing problems. Mold and bacteria are present to some degree in all buildings and release microscopic particles that become airborne. These particles may carry allergens or chemicals that workers ingest and that inflame respiratory tissues. A damp environment sets the stage for this kind of poor indoor air quality. If this the sort of environment in which you spend your days, you may experience coughing, wheezing and/or shortness of breath over time.

You are not alone

According to OSHA, approximately 11 million workers are at risk of exposure to one or more of the many agents linked to occupational asthma. Prevention requires making changes to the working environment and managing the disease with medical therapies. Workers’ compensation claims frequently name occupational diseases like asthma that develop over time as the result of poor indoor air quality. If you feel your asthma is a work-related condition, you should explore your legal options and eligibility for workers’ compensation to cover your medical expenses and more.