Perhaps you believe that if you weren’t born with asthma, you will never have to worry about suffering from its symptoms. Unfortunately, it is possible to develop asthma at any point in your life. And you are all the more vulnerable if you work in an environment that exposes you to such elements as mold, chemicals, dust or even plants and animals.
A chemical group known as isocyanates is a common asthma-causing culprit. Isocyanates can be found in a host of products that are used on job sites. These products include adhesives, varnishes, paints, insulation materials and materials containing polyurethane. And as you are likely aware, these products are used in a wide variety of industrial and manufacturing environments.
Occupational asthma can develop into a very serious condition, the symptoms of which could leave a worker with debilitating or even life-threatening lung damage. Moreover, you can develop work-related asthma in only a few days. And while protective equipment, such as respirators and exhaust vents can be employed, these devices are not guaranteed to prevent a worker from developing asthma.
If your job involves working around asthma-causing elements and you begin to experience frequent coughing, breathing difficulties or other such symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as you possibly can. Depending on your diagnosis, you may need workers’ compensation benefits for medical expenses or to cover time missed from work.
To better ensure that you get the full measure of benefits you are due, you might consider having an experienced workers’ compensation attorney represent your interests. Also, if have filed a claim that for some reason has been denied, the attorney can work on your behalf in an effort to rectify the situation.