Work-related Asthma Exposures
At a glance
It's important to ask workers with asthma about their occupational history and exposures. New exposures associated with work-related asthma continue to be identified. The listing below shows a variety of occupations and exposures that can cause or trigger asthma.
Occupations and exposures
Animal health
Anesthetic agents Animal proteins from hair/fur, saliva, urine, and dander Biocides (glutaraldehyde and chlorhexidine) Cleaning products Drugs - antibiotics Endotoxin Enzymes Latex Pollen
Cleaning services
Acetic acid and other acids Acids Ammonia (ammonium hydroxide) Biocides Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) Chloramines Formaldehyde Glutaraldehyde Quaternary ammonium compounds (e.g., benzalkonium chloride) Spray products
Cosmetology
Acrylic monomers Bleaching agents Biocides Formaldehyde Hair dyes Henna Latex Persulfates
Farming and food production
Cereals and grains Egg protein Endotoxin Enzymes Fish and shellfish Green coffee beans/dust Insects Milk protein Plants Plant products (natural rubber latex) Plant proteins (grain, wheat, coffee beans/dust, tea, flours) Pollen
Healthcare
Acrylic monomers Aerosolized medications (e.g., pentamidine, ribavirin) Anesthetic agents Biocides (e.g., gluteraldehydes and chlorhexidine) Cleaning products (e.g., quaternary ammonium compounds) Drugs (antibiotics) Enzymes Latex Metal in dental alloys Orthopedic adhesives (methacrylate) Psyllium
Industrial, manufacturing, or construction
Acid anhydrides (epoxy resin, dye) Acrylic monomers (adhesives) Aliphatic amines (e.g., ethylenediamines and ethanolamines) Complex platinum salts Diisocyanates (e.g., polyurethane and plastic production, spray painting, foamcoating manufacturing) Enzymes (e.g., amlyases, lipases, proteases) Metal dusts Metal salts Metalworking fluid Western red cedar Wood dusts or barks
Laborataory
Animal proteins (from hair/fur, saliva, urine, and dander) Enzymes Fungi Latex
Office and education
Indoor dampness and mold (indoor environmental quality) Vegetable gums (printer ink)
Oct. 28, 2026 Sources and Page Info Print Share
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National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health About This Page
Published: May 15, 2024
Updated: October 28, 2026 This page was last updated on this date. Updates may include minor edits, image changes, or other modifications to page content.
Reviewed: February 13, 2024 The information on this page was last reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy.
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