Work Healthy - Asthma, eczema and your career

Risky careers

Some jobs carry a major risk of eczema, asthma and/or allergy, particularly if you had eczema or asthma when you were little. Find out whether you would be at risk by checking whether the work involves anything on the following list:

• animals 
• dust, airborne particles 
• strong fragrances 
• regular handwashing 
• contact with food 
• strong chemicals, oil, dirt 
• wearing latex or plastic gloves for much of the day

In some cases it is possible to cope with risky training and work if you are very strongly motivated and well-informed about the risks and what you can do to prevent problems.

You can often reduce the impact of a risky job by being careful and using technology and protective equipment.

The same job may take different forms and therefore carry a greater or lesser risk. For example, a metal worker could be doing work that is extremely tough on the skin, or dry and clean work that is computer-controlled.
Changes in the labour market mean that some jobs that are risky today may be suitable in the future.

» Examples of risky careers