If you have arrived at this page, chances are that you or someone you care for is concerned about or suffering with occupational asthma. It can be a scary time and we have put together the following article to try and answer as many questions as possible. If, after reading this article, you feel you would benefit from speaking to someone in the office please do not hesitate to call us on 0800 028 2060 or complete the Claim Enquiry Form below following which one of our fully trained, professional and friendly team will contact you direct.
What is Occupational Asthma?
Asthma can be a frightening, life threatening condition and it is thought that one in 10 cases of asthma in adults is caused by work related factors. Occupational asthma affects people who have not suffered with asthma in the past but who get asthma as a direct result of the work they do. Symptoms include problems with breathing, wheezing, coughing and/or a tight feeling in the chest.
There are two types of occupational asthma and this depends on the trigger.
1. Allergic occupational asthma.
This is the most common type of occupational asthma. Allergens that cause occupational asthma are called ‘respiratory sensitisers’ because they can bring about changes to your airways and cause them to be hypersensitive. This is not an immediate reaction and you may find you will be at work for a number of weeks, months or even years before the allergen triggers asthma.
The most common allergen to trigger allergic occupational asthma is chemicals commonly found in vehicle spray paint known as isocyanates. The Asthma UK website has some useful information where you can also find a full list of jobs with the highest rates of allergic occupational asthma.
2. Irritant-induced occupational asthma
This type of asthma can occur when you breathe in a chemical at your workplace, causing irritation to your airways which can result in asthma symptoms. This particular type of asthma is not common and usually happens when there is an accidental chemical spillage in the workplace. Unlike allergic occupational asthma, irritant-induced occupational asthma will start within 24 hours of the spillage and you should speak to you GP as soon as possible.
Compensation
As a guide only the compensation figures awarded by the Courts for occupational asthma range from £17,000 – £28,000.
Each potential claim needs to be assessed case by case and as aforementioned we are happy to discuss matters with you and answer any further questions/queries you may have. This initial consultation is free of charge and without obligation.
Free Claim Assessment
If you have been injured and would like a free Claim Assessment so that you can discover your rights, please call us now on 0800 028 2060 or complete our Online Claim Assessment.
