Every workplace has its own set of potential threats and risks. Some jobs include the risk of occupational asthma caused by substances or other aspects of the environment.
The Nebraska’s Workers’ Compensation Act allows for benefits that aid in recovery from said occupational asthma.
Exposure to harmful substances
Mayo Clinic specifically discusses occupational asthma. This includes the potential exposure to harmful substances which may cause asthma.
A minimum of 250 known substances exist that can cause asthma. This includes chemicals, metals, animals and plants. Those with any pre-existing conditions can end up even more at risk for the development of asthma.
Toxic work environments as an asthma trigger
In some cases, if a toxic work environment worsens a pre-existing condition of asthma, the law may recognize it as an occupational disease.
Environments with gases, chemical fumes and dust in particular have a high rate of causing or worsening asthma in the workers.
Work-related asthma triggered by toxic work environments will usually manifest in certain symptoms. This can include shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing.
When a worker returns home and finds their symptoms improving, it is another indicator that they suffer from workplace-related occupational asthma. Without proper treatment, this could develop into permanent asthma. This is why it is important for anyone who develops a breathing problem that does not go away to visit a doctor for treatments or tests.
If someone needs to take time off to recover or develops a disability that impedes their work, it is possible to seek compensation.