Exposure to harmful substances while at work can lead to occupational asthma.

Irritants such as dust, fumes, vapour or mist released into the working environment on a regular basis can restrict that person's airflow and affect their lungs and breathing.

Occupational asthma is an allergic reaction that a sufferer may have when exposed to a hazardous substance. It's incredibly debilitating, with symptoms including wheezing, shortness of breath, narrowing of the airways, and painful coughing.

Sometimes symptoms present themselves immediately, but can often develop later, making it difficult to establish a link between the working environment and the disease.

In England and Wales we've a set of regulations in place: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH). 

They protect workers from being exposed to these risks. Employers are under a legal duty to protect their staff by carrying out risk assessments and taking measures to protect their workers.

Sometimes they might alternate their working practices, introduce personal protective equipment or, in some cases, buy in machinery to reduce their workers' exposure. 

Something as simple as a dust mask may be all that's needed to prevent occupational asthma from occurring.

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