Workforce Woes: Allergic to Your Job?

Imagine telling your boss you’re allergic to work and need to stay home. As crazy as it sounds, it’s not uncommon. For many employees, their physical surroundings may act as an irritant that cause allergic reactions.

And while some professions present a higher risk of allergic reactions than others, there are triggers in almost every job – from construction workers to hair stylists to stay-at-home moms.

The following is a list of professions that pose the largest risk for the onset of allergic reactions and what triggers them:

• Outdoor Office:  Employees who work outdoors with the flora of the world are exposed to molds associated with mulch, soils and lawn maintenance, as well as plant pollen.
• Construction Zone: Mold, especially in older buildings, and chemicals used in the construction process, can pose a threat for someone with allergies.
• Desk Job Dilemma:  Dust and mold caused by an older, poorly ventilated building or a building that has had water damage can trigger sneezing, coughing, congestion and/or a runny nose.
• Salon/Spa Odors: The fumes from the chemicals that are used at a salon can be very irritating to the sensitive nasal mucosa and those with sensitive skin.
• Veterinarians’ Furry Friends:  Watch out for animal dander, as well as dust, molds and pollens that are trapped in animals’ fur.
• Stay-at-home Mom: Working from home won’t necessarily keep you safe from allergens. Exposure to molds, animal dander and dust mites are common in the home.

Midwest ENT Consultants offers the following allergy relief tips for those experiencing allergic reactions at the workplace:

• Outdoor workers can protect themselves from pollen, dust and mold by wearing a mask, gloves and long-sleeved shirt when handling mulch and plant material.
• After work, be sure to change your clothes, shower, wash your hair and rinse your nose with a saline solution to eliminate continued exposure to allergens.
• If you work at a desk, make an effort to keep your computer, copier and all other office equipment clean and dust-free.
• Good ventilation and proper humidity (50% or lower) in an office building will decrease exposure to molds.
• Regular vacuuming with a HEPA filter vacuum is helpful in controlling exposure to dust and molds.

Victoria Gestner works with Midwest ENT Consultants, who are ear, nose and throat doctors with offices in various locations, including Plainfield. She wrote this in conjunction with the allergy experts at Midwest ENT Consultants.