National Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month and Preventing Occupational Asthma in New York

NEW YORK - May 3, 2016 - PRLog -- This month is recognized as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month across the United States.  Asthma is a serious respiratory condition that can be life-threatening in some circumstances. People with the condition are often exposed to numerous known asthma triggers in their homes, schools, and work environments.

Occupational asthma, also referred to as work-related asthma, is the most common occupational lung disease in the United States.  According to OSHA, "An estimated 11 million workers in a wide range of industries and occupations are exposed to at least one of the numerous agents known to be associated with occupational asthma. Occupational factors are associated with up to 15 percent of disabling asthma cases in the United States."

The condition can result from exposure to allergens or irritants on the job. These exposures can lead to new cases of asthma or worsen existing cases. Asthma symptoms may include wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing. Sometimes these symptoms may emerge hours after exposure to harmful substances or even months later.

Occupational asthma reduces productivity and quality of life. It increases costs to employees, families, businesses, and taxpayers. Some employees become too disabled to work, while others must change jobs to avoid the substance(s) that caused or aggravated their asthma. Unless occupational asthma is caught and managed early, it is likely to continue and get worse.

"Workers in a wide range of industries could be at risk of exposure to these respiratory allergens and irritants associated with occupational asthma," said Michael Berrevoets, President, VOETS, LLC. "In fact, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that more than 250 substances are known or believed to cause or exacerbate work-related asthma."

Business managers and workers in New York City and the tri-state area who are concerned about possible exposure to occupational asthma triggers can turn to the industrial hygiene and air quality professionals at VOETS. They offer comprehensive environmental testing, monitoring, consulting, and employee training to identify respiratory hazards and protect the health of workers.

To learn more about VOETS and their air quality, environmental, health, safety, or occupational testing and consulting services, please visit http://www.VOETS.nyc, email michael@VOETS.nyc, or call (212) 860-7450.