Allergies in the workplace

It’s especially problematic for people with allergies when their allergy prevents them from working. This is the case when the specific allergen plays an integral role in the workplace. For instance, when a baker is allergic to flower dust, or a gardner develops an allergy to grass or flowers. 

Some examples of allergens in the workplace:

• Baker – Flour dust
• Printer - Gum Arabic, solvents
• Hairdresser – Chemicals in hair coloring, shampoo, etc.
• Gardener – Primroses, insecticides, hay fever
• Timber industry – Sawdust, solvents
• Beekeeper – Insect venom
• Plastics industry – Plastics and chemicals used in production
• Landscaping - Insecticids
• Metal workers- Metals, solvents, cleaning agents
• Painter – Paints, varnishes, solvents
• Nurses and other care workers - disinfectants
• Textile industry – Silk, dyes, metals

Most of these allergies cause skin rashes or respiratory problems.

• Symptoms include:
• Hives
• Itchy rashes
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Coughing
• Asthma
• Gastrointestinal complaints
• Migraine headaches
• Concentration problems
• Joint pain

Typically, the symptoms subside outside the workplace – on the weekend, on holiday, etc.

In the worst cases, the problem can only be solved by switching professions or workplaces.