Occupational Asthma and Dermatitis

Both occupational asthma and dermatitis are common occupational diseases caused by exposure to a variety of substances found in the workplace.

What is occupational dermatitis?

Occupational dermatitis is a skin disorder caused by coming into contact with certain substances in the workplace. It is therefore termed contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is the most common work related disease in Ireland. It can have long term consequences for workers health and in extreme cases their ability to continue working.

See the Guidelines on Occupational Dermatitis for further information.

What is work related asthma?

Work related asthma accounts for about 10% of all adult onset asthma. Asthma related to the workplace can be categorised into 2 distinct subsets:

1. Work aggravated asthma
2. Occupational asthma

Work Aggravated Asthma

Persons with work aggravated asthma usually have a history of pre-existing asthma.

Occupational Asthma

Occupational asthma is caused as a direct result of workplace exposure. There are 2 forms of occupational asthma:

1. Irritant Induced Occupational Asthma
2. Allergic Occupational Asthma

Further information can be found in the Guidelines on Occupational Asthma.