Asthma
Caused by Occupational Exposure
by: Moldex
Technical Services Department
Asthma
is a condition which is characterized by breathing difficulty,
chest tightness, coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.
The condition can be serious and sometimes even fatal. While
many asthma sufferers are born with the condition, asthma can
be occupationally-induced. Millions of workers in a wide range
of industries and occupations are potentially exposed to hundreds
of organic and inorganic substances associated with occupationally-induced
asthma.
Some
of these substances cause sensitization, so that only minor
subsequent exposure will cause an asthmatic condition. Other
substances are non-sensitizing and therefore require a full
dose for an asthmatic condition to result. Only a few of these
substances have OSHA Permissable Exposure Limits (PELs) and/or
specific OSHA standards.
Solutions
From Moldex
Moldex
respirators can reduce exposure to some, but not all asthma-causing
contaminants. Under certain conditions, Moldex respirators may
be used for protection against the following contaminants:
For
wood dusts and grains, a Moldex disposable respirator (2200, 2300
or 2700 N series).
For metals and highly toxic asthma-causing substances, the Moldex
8000 series with 8940 or 8990 as well as the 2730N100 model.
For chemical substances such as chlorine or sulfur dioxide, the
Moldex 8000 series with appropriate chemical cartridge.
Affected
Industries
Healthcare
Work with red cedar
Animal handling
Bakeries
Laboratory work
Grain handling industries
Snow crab and egg processing
Work with paint and adhesives
Work with metal salts
Jewelry making
Nickel plating
Tanning
Soldering
Detergent manufacturing containing biological enzymes
WARNING:
The information contained in this Tech Brief is dated and was accurate,
to the best of Moldex’s knowledge, on the date above. It is
not meant to be comprehensive, nor is it intended to be used in
place of the warning/use instructions that accompany Moldex respirators.
