We are exposed to many things at work. While most work environments are perfectly safe, some people will develop symptoms from things they are exposed to at work and may even develop asthma. What are you exposed to at work? What sort of symptoms did you develop? What are you doing about it?
ozone from photocopiers
- I am an asthmatic and allergic to dust mites. When I am exposed to ozone from my photocopier at home, I wheeze and itch. Apparently, according to published medical research, ozone (in confined spaces, such as offices) make mite asthma and allergy worse. Thankfully, my husband does our private photocopying for me.
- —Nellnockles
Unknown irritant
- I work in an four story office building. And last September started getting asthma at work. It would clear up when I am away from work and come back when I return to work. So far no one has been able to identify the trigger. Due to my necessity to communicate with customers and inter office cooworkers a mask does not seem to be a possiblity. I am right now at the point of trying to decide between my health and my financial security. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
- —Guest Betty
I have had occupational symptoms...
- in the past and the present. I feel miserable at times, but I try not to whine and complain unnecessarily. I try to ask my co-workers to blow their cigarette smoke in the other direction and/or I avoid them when they are smoking or wearing strong smelling hand cream or fragrence. I don't think an OSHA95 mask would help in these situations but I do wear a mask when there is a particulate level in the general air current in the building. I work in health care laundry and university housekeeping(bacteria, viruses, usual allergans and particulates), in order to get a free education, one class per semester at a time. Most of my life I was in nursing.
- —Guest Glenda
Laser printer
- I react to the ozone emitted by the laser printers and copiers at work when large jobs are printed. The ventilation is there not that good. My chest tightens and my peak flow number declines. I keep a nebulizer at work for emergencies. My laser printer was moved off of my desk to the other side of my office near the door. I delegate large copy jobs to other people so I don't have to go in the copy room in orde to limit my exposure. My boss is aware of the situation and is supportive.
- —Guest Guest Niki
Ceilings
- They are doing construction in my building and I am worried that all the particles that become airborne are causing me to use my rescue inhaler more.
- —Guest John
