Allergies at workplace - few tips

Allergies at the workplace

By: Dr Parul R Sheth Smita has watery, itchy eyes and she coughs incessantly as though she were breathless. She suspected something serious until the time when her doctor told her she had “occupational asthma” , related to her workplace. Now if you have an allergy to prawns, you stop eating them. You are allergic to pollen, you stop going near flowers. But what if you are allergic to your work like Smita? What options do you have? You cannot just stop going to work, can you? Read on to know the potential work allergies and what precautions you can take to avoid them. Learning the basics Basically there is confusion between allergic reactions and allergic sensitivity. An allergic reaction is an over-reaction of the immune system that causes anything from rash and itching to a life-threatening condition anaphylactic shock, which develops after repeated exposure. An allergy can kill. Allergic sensitivity on the other hand is when you are allergic to a specific allergen for instance pollen, dust, perfume or any non-specific irritant, which can make you feel miserable. Both these terms are, however used interchangeably.

 

The ‘sick building syndrome’ Modern office buildings today are all tall with several cubicles and cabins , which may be filled with allergens and irritants. Chemical residues from carpet cleaning chemicals lurk around; mold spores may be circulating in the continually running moist air conditioners. These allergens can surely trouble your sensitive noses. The photocopy machines and papers too may emit allergic substances. Experts call this as the “Sick building syndrome” that causes environmental allergies in closed spaces. According to researchers at Public Health department of University College London and Singapore, however, sick building syndrome may be a stress related disorder, rather than a fault of the building or workplace.

 

 

Here’s a list of workplace allergies that you may face

The chemical formaldehyde is present in rugs, upholstered furniture, wallpaper, draperies, paint, cigarette smoke. It can cause cough, cold, sneezing, wheezing, sore nasal passage, flu-like symptoms, asthma, irritated throat or watery eyes. Poor air quality due to poor ventilation.

Toxic gases including formaldehyde lurk around your computers and desks causing respiratory illnesses. Health care workers at the hospitals so also cafeteria workers are at a risk of allergies from powdered latex gloves. The powder is the culprit, which has several allergens or allergy triggers.

People working at food processing factories are at a risk of several potential allergens. One of them is peanut products, which can be allergic to some. Dust mites and other small insects are allergen carriers. Places where pesticides are not used, this can be a cause for allergy Pets and laboratory animals can give rise to allergies.

 

Veterinarians dealing with pets are prone to allergies arising from the fine hair covering the animals, urine and faeces Pungent room freshener or a specific perfume are common irritants that give headache and cause sneezing Bakery workers working with flour and grains can develop allergies because of the husk and the dusty granules of flour Beauty parlour workers are at a risk of allergies from the constant use of hair dyes, chemicals for hair perms or nail polish removers.

Act now

Discover and identify the source of allergy Wash your hands before or after doing something or going somewhere. Wear a protective mask if there is a need. Use a damp cloth to remove dust from your desk. Keep your desk clean and uncluttered. Keep the piles of paper, books, files properly Wipe clean your computer, keyboard, mouse etc.

Keep them dust-free. Improved air-quality and air circulation can help reduce symptoms Work in a smoke-free environment. If you cannot escape the exposure to workplace allergens , consider changing your job. This could be the ultimate option.

Source: ET