Accommodations for people allergic to latex might include transferring to other jobs where they don't come in contact with latex. There is also reduced protein, powder-free latex gloves. Occupational Asthma Occupational asthma is caused by exposure to airborne dusts, gases, vapors or fumes in the workplace. For example, fire fighters with an overwhelming smoke exposure may end up with an asthma condition that doesn't resolve. Experts cite more than 200 organic and inorganic substances known to trigger asthma.
Isocyanate asthma is perhaps the most frequently recognized form of occupational asthma.
Isocyanate chemicals are the building blocks for polyurethane and widely used in packing materials for virtually all electronic components, and in automotive paints. Other agents causing occupational asthma have been found among animal researchers, bakers, hospital workers, sawmill laborers, textile workers, coffee roasters, hairdressers, crab processors, hard-metal grinders, tool setters, electronics workers, egg processors, and farmers, to name a few. Once you're sensitized, the slightest amount of exposure can trigger an episode. If it's caught soon enough, people can have permanent remissions, said Kreiss. Early diagnosis is very important.