Asthma
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that causes breathing difficulties and
is commonly characterised by the sufferer "wheezing".
Every year upto 3,000 people develop asthma because they are exposed to dangerous
substances at work (occupational asthma). Thousands more people who already suffer
asthma find conditions at work can make their condition worse.
'Asthma at Work - Your Charter', available from
www.asthma.org.uk, sets out
recommendations to reduce the impact of asthma in the workplace, and provides information on asthma
triggers and symptoms, instructions on what to do if someone is having an attack and guidelines for
employers on making the work environment an asthma-friendly zone.
World Asthma Day (May 1st, 2007) aims to improve asthma awareness and care around the world.
Useful Links
- www.asthma.org.uk
: Charity dedicated to improving the lives of people in the UK with asthma by building
and sharing expertise about asthma.
- www.hse.gov.uk
: The HSE estimates that each year between 1,500 and 3,000 people in Great Britain develop
occupational asthma. The HSE provide information on occupational asthma, prevention and health surveillance.
- www.noattacks.org
: Information about asthma.
- www.bbc.co.uk
: Information about asthma.
- www.allergyuk.org
: Up to date information on all aspects of allergy, food intolerance and chemical sensitivity.
- www.agius.com
: Information on occupational asthma in the workplace.
- www.bohrf.org.uk
: Occupational asthma: identification, management and prevention.
A guide for employers, workers and their representatives.
- www.whig.org.uk
: Information on asthma in relation to work and health.