A list of chemicals and dusts that can contribute to adult-onset asthma in Australian workplaces has been created by researchers.
Project leader Lin Fritschi, from Curtin University in Western Australia, said up to 3000 new cases of asthma in Australia every year could be attributed to workplace exposures.
"Approximately one in six cases of adult-onset asthma is due to chemicals and dusts at work," she said.
The scientists identified 277 substances specific to Australian workplaces including latex gloves, animals, flour, cleaning agents, metals, pesticides, dyes and some food.
Carpenters, panel beaters, welders, lab workers and farmers were among the occupations likely to be exposed.
"Future studies will seek to provide information to assist regulators to further identify industries, occupations, specific activities and existing exposure standards that can be targeted to improve worker health and welfare," Professor Fritschi said.
Monash University, the University of Sydney and the University of WA also contributed to the study.
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