Allergies
Some people experience allergic reactions when they touch or inhale certain materials. Reactions can affect the eyes, skin, and/or respiratory system (nose and throat). They can range from mild to life-threatening. Employers must protect workers from exposure to potential allergens in the workplace.
- The risks
- How to reduce the risks
- Resources
The risks
Allergic reactions can result from workplace exposures such as the following:
| Agriculture |
Animal dander Mould Pesticides & fumigants |
| Commercial laundry | Subtilisin (in detergents) |
| Construction |
Dust Isocyanates (in spray foam insulation and industrial coatings) Organic blasting material Solvents (in varnish and lacquer) |
| Health care | Latex |
| Manufacturing |
Flour dust Nickel Platinum Solvents Wood dust |
| Office work | Mould |
| Pest control | Animal dander |
How to reduce the risks
When there's a known allergen in the workplace, employers must control the risks.
Controls will be unique to each worksite and work environment, and include:
-
1
Elimination or substitution
Where possible, eliminating the hazard by replacing it with a safer process or material is always the most effective control. Some questions to consider:
- Can a non-allergenic material be used?
- Can a different process be used that generates less of the allergen?
-
2
Engineering controls
Making physical modifications to facilities, equipment, and processes is another way to reduce exposure. Some questions to consider:
- Can ventilation be improved?
- Can tasks that generate or expose workers to allergens be contained so exposure is reduced or eliminated?
-
3
Administrative controls
Work practices and work policies, awareness tools, and training can limit the risk of exposure to allergens. Some questions to consider:
- Have warning signs been posted in the work area?
- Have signs explaining exposure symptoms been posted?
-
4
Personal protective equipment
Personal protective equipment is the least effective control and should be used in combination with at least one other control. Some questions to consider:
- Do workers have the required respirators, eyewear, and protective clothing?
- Has personal protective equipment been tested to make sure it works properly?
Resources
Isocyanate Exposure
This video highlights the hazards of isocyanates during the application of finish coatings. Depending on the length of exposure and the level of worker protection, health effects range from burns to...
Dealing with Latex Allergies at Work
The information in this booklet applies to a wide range of jobs with exposure to rubber products. This booklet explains the health problems that may be caused by using rubber products; the natural rubber...
Mould Exposure
This video shows how mould can grow quickly on damp materials such as cardboard, paper, wood and drywall. As mould grows, it releases spores into the air. Exposure to mould spores can affect your health,...