If you are allergic to prawns, you stop eating them. If you are allergic to pollen, you stop going near flowers. But what if, you are allergic to your workplace? You cannot just stop going to work, can you? The potential work allergies and what precautions you can take to avoid them.

The basics.

Usually there is confusion between allergic reactions and allergic sensitivity. An allergic reaction is an over-reaction of the immune system that causes anything from rash and itching to a life-threatening condition —anaphylactic shock, which develops after repeated exposure. An allergy can kill. Allergic sensitivity is when you are allergic to a specific allergen for instance pollen, dust, perfume or any non-specific irritant, which can make you feel miserable. Both these terms are used interchangeable, which is sometimes deceptive.

The ‘sick building syndrome’

Modern office buildings today are all tall with several cubicles and cabins, which may be filled with allergens and irritants. Chemical residues from carpet cleaning chemicals lurk around; mold spores may be circulating in the continually running moist air conditioners. These allergens can surely trouble your sensitive noses. The photocopy machines and papers too may emit allergic substances. Experts call this as the “Sick building syndrome” that causes environmental allergies in closed spaces. According to researchers at Public Health department of University College London and Singapore, however, sick building syndrome may be a stress related disorder, rather than a fault of the building or workplace.

A list of workplace allergies you may face.

• The chemical formaldehyde is present in rugs, upholstered furniture, wallpaper, draperies, paint, and cigarette smoke. It can cause cough, cold, sneezing, wheezing, sore nasal passage, flu-like symptoms, asthma, irritated throat or watery eyes.
• Poor air quality due to poor ventilation. Toxic gases including formaldehyde lurk around your computers and desks causing respiratory illnesses.
• Health care workers at the hospitals so also cafeteria workers are at a risk of allergies from powdered latex gloves. The powder is the culprit, which has several allergens or allergy triggers.
• People working at food processing factories are at a risk of several potential allergens. One of them is a peanut product, which can be allergic to some.
• Dust mites and other small insects are allergen carriers. Places where pesticides are not used, this can be a cause for allergy
• Pets and laboratory animals can give rise to allergies. Veterinarians dealing with pets are prone to allergies arising from the fine hair covering the animals, urine and faeces
• Pungent room freshener or a specific perfume are common irritants that give headache and cause sneezing
• Bakery workers working with flour and grains can develop allergies because of the husk and the dusty granules of flour
• Beauty parlor workers are at a risk of allergies from the constant use of hair dyes, chemicals for hair perms or nail polish removers.

Act Now

• Discover and identify the source of allergy.
• Wash your hands several times to maintain hygiene.
• Use a damp cloth to remove dust from your desk.
• Keep your desk clean and uncluttered. Keep the piles of paper, books, and files properly.
• Wipe cleans your computer, keyboard, mouse etc. Keep them dust free.
• Improved air-quality and air circulation can help reduce symptoms.
• Work in a smoke free environment.
• Wear a protective mask if there is a need.
• If you cannot escape the exposure to workplace allergies, consider changing your job.