Where We Are

Work-related asthma is a reportable condition in Massachusetts, and the greatest numbers of cases are employed in health care, educational services and manufacturing. Findings indicate that the number of adults with asthma affected by work is much higher than previously thought.

Massachusetts has some, although limited, capacity to intervene in individual work places to reduce exposures contributing to asthma. OSHA may investigate workplaces upon referral from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, but its ability to act is restricted due to the inadequacy of current OSHA standards. For many known sensitizing agents, there are no OSHA standards. For others, the standards are not stringent enough to prevent sensitization.

Massachusetts has had some important accomplishments in addressing asthma hazards at the broad policy level. Most recently, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health became Green Seal GS37 recertified, meaning that it now prohibits the use of ingredients in industrial cleaners that are known to cause asthma. In addition, Massachusetts operates a program to promote the use of environmentally safe products by cities, towns and state agencies by screening vendors and facilitating better pricing. Finally, the statewide indoor smoking ban has significantly improved the work environment for many workers.

In Massachusetts for the years 2006 to 2007, the MA BRFSS Asthma Call Back found that:

• 13.9% of adults with current asthma reported that their asthma was caused or made worse by exposures at their current job
• 40.2% of adults with current asthma reported that their asthma was caused for made worse by exposure at a current or previous job
• Only 26.8% reported ever telling or being told by a health professional that their asthma was work-related