New asthmagen list
August 9, 2012
THERE are 374 different
substances both naturally occurring
and man-made that have known or
suspected links to asthma,
according to a new report.
The Healthy Environments: A
Compilation of Substances Linked to
Asthma report by Perkins + Will
looked at eight lists published by
Government agencies, academic
sources and third party regulatory
agencies to arrive at its own
conclusive list.
“The most important finding is
that the substances that are
commonly linked with asthma are
ubiquitious,” the report said.
“From a kindergartner, to a nurse
or a manufacturing plant worker,
everyone is exposed to these
substances in their respective
environments,” the report added.
The report also noted that there
are many factors that determine
how an individual will react to an
asthmagen, adding that two
asthmatics may have similar levels
of sensitivity to cat dander, but very
different levels of sensitivity to
benzene.
“It is also particularly difficult to
predict the impacts of individual
substances when individuals are
exposed to multiple substances at
the same time,” the report added.
Asthmagens found in 10 or more
products included ammonium,
persulphate, sulfuric acid, zinc,
chloride and carmine; whilst other
notable substances commonly
found in nature include pollen,
wood products and buckwheat.
The occupations most heavily
affected by substances with links to
asthma include healthcare,
manufacturing, agriculture, and
adhesives and the plastics industry.
To view the report and the list
CLICK HERE.
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