Most people who work in-person have one or two things about their workplace that they find annoying: a funky smell, a screechy copy machine, a chaotic break room fridge or even a coworker who talks a little too loudly on the phone. Those little things are usually just that—little. For the most part, they’re unlikely to significantly impact your experience at work.
However, when irritants start to affect your health, as is the case with allergens, you need to identify the cause early and take action to reduce your exposure.
Common Workplace Allergens
Those working in industries like hospitality, healthcare, cosmetology, animal care or manufacturing are at higher risk of allergic reactions because of the materials their jobs often involve. Some common allergens to watch out for include:
- Metals such as nickel or chromium
- Epoxy and acrylic resins
- Rubber additives and latex
- Animal dander
- Certain foods
- Plant proteins
- Mold
- Cleaning agents and disinfectants
- Hair dyes and cosmetic chemicals
An office worker can still encounter allergens, but their risk isn’t as high. An office is more likely to expose you to dust or mold if it’s not cleaned regularly, and strong cleaning agents, depending on the type your janitorial staff uses.
How Do I Know if I Have an Allergy?
Allergic reactions typically include:
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Sneezing and nasal congestion
- Hives and other skin rashes
- Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat
- Wheezing, coughing or shortness of breath
Wherever you work around Tulsa, experiencing these symptoms is a good indicator that you have an allergy to something in your workplace that needs addressing.
Protecting Your Health in High-Allergen Workplaces
If allergens have taken up a job as your new coworker, you need to take steps to get them removed from your workplace. A 2017 study[1] on workplace allergies offered two steps to limit your exposure:
- Primary prevention: substitute safer products, improve ventilation, modify work processes and use personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks, long sleeves and gloves
- Secondary prevention: monitor health and workplace conditions to spot early signs of allergies and take action before symptoms worsen
Allergies can have long-term effects on your health. If you’re unsure what’s causing your symptoms, contact Eastern Oklahoma Ear Nose and Throat – Yale Office to schedule an allergy test with one of our specialists. We’ll identify which allergens are causing problems and help you find the best way to avoid them and manage your symptoms—whether through medication or immunotherapy.
[1] Anderson, S. E., Long, C., & Dotson, G. S. (2017). OCCUPATIONAL ALLERGY. European Medical Journal (Chelmsford, England), 2(2), 65–71.