Sensitisation and irritation are different
Irritation can result from a substance’s direct action on the airways without sensitisation. Hypersensitivity involves a different response and may develop after a symptom-free exposure period. Moreover, sensitised people do not all develop the same disease or respond identically to later contact.
Agents and tasks needing attention
Flours, certain isocyanate products, enzymes, laboratory animals and some substances used in cleaning or manufacturing may be involved. Processes and safety data sheets are reviewed, including H334 where relevant. Absence of a labelled container does not rule out risk: some exposures arise from processes or biological materials.
Why early action matters
Cough, wheezing, chest tightness or nasal symptoms related in time to work need medical assessment. They may occur after the shift. The occupational asthma article addresses the disease; here the focus is the sensitisation mechanism and prevention. Cause is not confirmed through a symptom list or by independently exposing the person again.
Control before relying on a mask
Elimination or substitution where feasible, closed processes and emission extraction take priority. Cleaning and maintenance also matter: dispersing dust can spread exposure to other tasks. Respiratory protection requires appropriate selection and use but does not replace those controls. For sensitised people, exposure management must follow individual professional assessment.
Health surveillance linked to risk
Surveillance must be organised by competent healthcare staff using criteria related to the agents present. A clear channel is needed for reporting symptoms without waiting for the next scheduled review. Findings inform control review while preserving confidentiality. Surveillance alone does not establish that a job is safe or replace occupational hygiene assessment.
Process improvement example
In a hypothetical example, a bakery receives reports of symptoms during bag emptying. Dust generation, extraction and cleaning are reviewed, and medical assessment facilitated. The response is not limited to issuing masks or informally moving the person who complains: the task is investigated to protect the rest of the team too.
