Despite the known risks, many people still develop asthma after being exposed to toxic substances at work, a new study suggests.

Asthma is a very common inflammatory lung disease. Some 470,000 people in Ireland are affected. According to Swedish scientists, it has long been known that a person is at an increased risk of developing the condition if they are exposed to certain chemicals in work.

As a result, recommendations for handling chemicals and the use of protective equipment are well established.

However this new study found that many cases of asthma are still being caused by chemical exposure in the workplace.

The scientists followed the progress of around 13,000 adults in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Estonia and Iceland between 1980 and 2000.

The study found that among those who developed asthma during this period, 7% of cases among women were linked to workplace exposure to chemicals, while in men, this figure rose to 14%.

According to the scientists, high risk workers included:
-Plumbers who have to handle foam insulation and adhesives
-Cleaners who have to handle detergents
-Spray painters who are exposed to diisocyanates in paint
-Hairdressers who have to handle chemicals
-Nail technicians who use fast-acting glue
-Healthcare workers who are exposed to detergents and latex, for example, in latex gloves.

"Some people are more susceptible than others. But if we look at individuals with no increased susceptibility, the risk was greater among those who were exposed to epoxy and diisocyanates, which are found in glue, varnish and foam plastic," the team from the University of Gothenburg said.

Details of these findings are published in the journal, The Annals of Occupational Hygiene.

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