respiratory irritation News
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Building Occupant Exposure to Chemical Odors and Respiratory Irritants
Chemical odors can frequently be the source of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) complaints. These odors may be from organic or inorganic compounds and exposure to some could be a health hazard, while others may not pose a risk. Odor complaints are frequently associated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are organic chemicals that easily evaporate into the air from liquids and some ...
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Occupational Asthma and Identifying Respiratory Irritants, Allergens and Asthma Triggers
The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) reports that in at least one out of every six asthmatics, their condition is caused or made worse by workplace exposures. Occupational asthma, also referred to as work-related asthma, can dramatically impact a person’s quality of life, reduce productivity, and increase costs. The condition is one of the most common occupational lung diseases ...
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Exposure to Fragrances and Perfumes in the Work Environment Could Cause or Exacerbate Asthma
The perfumes and fragrances that are found in personal care products, air fresheners and even cleaning products are frequently encountered and all too common. While some people find these odors to be pleasant, these same scents can act as a respiratory irritant for others. Even worse, the smell of a strong perfume or fragrance could trigger an asthma attack for some people with the condition. ...
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National COPD Awareness Month in Puerto Rico and Exposure Risks to Respiratory Irritants and Allergens
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, makes breathing difficult for millions of Americans who have been diagnosed with the condition. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that millions more suffer from the respiratory disease, but have not been diagnosed or treated. In Puerto Rico and throughout the rest of the ...
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Identifying Respiratory Irritants, Allergens and Known Asthma Triggers to Mitigate Occupational Asthma Risks
Occupational asthma, also known as work-related asthma, can dramatically impact a worker’s quality of life and reduce their productivity. Sadly, it’s the most common occupational lung disease in the United States and the condition increases costs to employees, employers and society. As an example, inhalation exposure to something as basic as flour dust can cause a condition known as ...
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Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month and Identifying Asthma Triggers, Allergens and Respiratory Irritants in Puerto Rico
Asthma is one of the most common lifelong chronic diseases in Puerto Rico and across the rest of the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The agency reports that 1 in 13 Americans (more than 25 million) lives with the condition. Add allergies to the equation and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America states that over 65 million Americans are ...
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National COPD Awareness Month and Preventing Exposure to Respiratory Irritants and Airborne Pollutants in Puerto Rico
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, makes breathing difficult for the 16 million Americans who have been diagnosed with the condition. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that millions more suffer from the respiratory disease, but have not been diagnosed and are not being treated. To enhance exposure of the ...
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Occupational Exposure to Fragrances Can Impact Workers that Suffer from Asthma
Work-related asthma results from exposure to allergens or irritants on the job. Exposure to these substances can lead to new cases of asthma or worsen existing asthma in some people. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) details that more than 250 substances are known or believed to cause or exacerbate work-related asthma (occupational asthma). These substances are found in many chemicals, ...
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Work Exposures to Fragrances and Perfumes Could Cause or Exacerbate Asthma Cases in Puerto Rico
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the asthma rate in Puerto Rico is as high as 19%, while in the rest of the United States the rate is below 8%. Asthma can be caused by exposure to a number of different respiratory allergens and irritants, including perfumes and fragrances in the work environment for some people. For those asthmatics, this would be a form of ...
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Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month in Puerto Rico and Identifying Environmental Asthma Triggers
The month of May is recognized as Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month in Puerto Rico and across the globe. World Asthma Day also occurs on the 5th of May. These times of recognition are important as asthma is a chronic lung disease that has a major impact on the lives of too many residents of Puerto Rico. In fact, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that Puerto Rican children ...
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How Exposure to Disinfectants and Cleaning Products Could Trigger Work-Related Asthma
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) describes work-related asthma as a lung disease caused or made worse by exposures to substances in the workplace. Common workplace exposures that can cause the condition include contact with dust, mold, animals, plants and various chemicals. These include some of the chemical compounds used in cleaning products and disinfectants. In fact, ...
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Work-Related Asthma and Mitigating Employee Exposures to Cleaning Chemicals and Disinfectants
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that impacts millions of people across the globe. Unfortunately, the number of people with asthma continues to grow, and for many employees, work-related asthma, also known as occupational asthma, is a serious health concern. Work-related asthma results from exposure to allergens or irritants on the job. Exposure to these substances can lead to new cases of ...
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Oregon pesticide vendors violated laws aimed at protecting consumers from mishandling products
Three Oregon companies violated federal pesticide laws designed to protect consumers, according to three separate settlements with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Nufarm Americas, Inc., Morrow County Grain Growers, Inc. and Grange Cooperative Supply Association will pay $127,000 for selling mislabeled pesticide products in Oregon. “When pesticides aren't handled properly they can ...
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Protecting the Immunocompromised from Invasive Mold Infection Risks in Hospitals and Buildings throughout Puerto Rico
Anyone with a weakened or suppressed immune system could be at heightened risk of developing an invasive mold infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that these types of infections can occur days to weeks after exposure to fungi that live in the environment. The agency goes so far as to advise physicians to keep invasive mold infections in mind when treating people ...
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Asthma Cases Spike in Puerto Rico Following 2017 Hurricane Season
Earlier this year, NBC News published the article, “Puerto Rico faces a spike in asthma cases following Hurricane Maria.” The investigative report specifically looked at the aftermath of the storm that left residents with “mold-producing wreckage across the island and forcing many to use fume-spewing generators for power.” One doctor, interviewed for the piece that treats ...
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Lung Cancer Awareness Month and Identifying Airborne Carcinogens to Protect Workers and Building Occupants in Puerto Rico
Throughout the United States, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To help raise awareness and engagement to fight the disease and prevent new cases, November is recognized as Lung Cancer Awareness Month. CDC states that the most important thing people can do to lower their lung cancer risk ...
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Residents of Puerto Rico Reminded of Airborne Carcinogens during Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Today is the last day of Lung Cancer Awareness Month. It is an important reminder of this deadly disease, although many people in Puerto Rico are exposed to respirable carcinogens and irritants all year long. Sadly, many people do not know they have developed lung cancer until the late stages of the condition when treatment choices are limited. In the United States alone, the American Cancer ...
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Mold is a Common Asthma Trigger in Puerto Rico and Resources to Mitigate Exposure Risks
There are many known asthma triggers, but one of the more common ones is exposure to elevated levels of mold. This information is important for asthmatics, especially those living in Puerto Rico which has some of the highest asthma rates in the United States. Across the entire country, asthma caused 5.8 million physician office visits and 1.6 million emergency department visits as recently as ...
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Uncomfortable Conditions, Mold, and Dust Mites Can All Result from Elevated Indoor Humidity Levels
While buildings can experience elevated humidity levels all year long due to a number of causes, the humid weather conditions of summer can be especially challenging for building owners and operators trying to optimize indoor conditions. Controlling humidity is essential for people’s comfort and to prevent damage to building materials and belongings. High humidity levels indoors mean ...
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National Cancer Prevention Month and Protecting Workers in Puerto Rico from Exposure to Carcinogens
According to the Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan, supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cancer is a leading cause of death in Puerto Rico, accounting for 17.7% of all deaths. While cancer mortality has gradually declined over the past several decades, there is still much that can be done to help prevent new cases. The American Association for Cancer ...
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