How to Reduce Allergies in a Work Environment

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), there are millions of people affected by allergies in a working environment (see Resources below). Asthma and lung problems are common complaints of work-related physical ailments. Environmental triggers include chemicals, latex gloves, poor air quality and more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Identify Allergens in the Work Place

1. Investigate the office area as an incubator for carpet-cleaning chemicals, fiberglass and mold. Most offices are enclosed with continuously running heating and air-conditioning units.
2. Gather information about plastics, paints and chemicals used in an industrial area. Fumes during use or from improperly closed containers can emit allergens.
3. Understand the irritation that can come from the working environment of beauticians. The constant contact with hair products such as perms and dyes and nail products such as polish and polish remover are often a source of allergy discomfort.
4. Recognize the fertilizers and pesticides used by farm workers can create a harmful working environment.

Determine a Plan to Reduce Allergies in a Working Environment

5. Take measures to reduce the allergies in an office working environment. Use a high-quality filtering system on all heating and cooling units. Change the filters frequently or according to manufacturer guidelines.
6. Wear an industrial grade mask when in a working environment where paint, chemicals and plastics are used. Reducing the amount of offensive allergens inhaled will reduce the amount of irritation from the allergens.
7. Keep working environments such as beauty shops or any place where odorous products are used well ventilated. A constant flow of clean air will reduce the allergens considerably.
8. Follow the guidelines and regulations by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) to reduce allergens such as mold, fungi, latex and more in the working environment (see Resources below).
9. Request employees to refrain from wearing perfumes that are highly odorous.
10. Do a skin test to verify the source of employee allergic dermatitis.

Tips & Warnings

• You must present proof that an allergic response is directly work related before any compensation or changes can occur. Keep a detailed journal of all symptoms. Include when they start, when they are worse and if they are present on any level when you're away from the workplace.
• When working in any environment where hazardous chemicals are used, follow all precautions for safety. Anyone (even those without previous allergies) can experience an allergic reaction without warning.

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