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Understanding Work-Related Asthma and Identifying Asthma Triggers to Help Protect California’s Workforce

IAQ Testing Services

Category	Press Release
Publish Date	4/21/2026
Author	Paul Cochrane
Title	Understanding Work-Related Asthma and Identifying Asthma Triggers to Help Protect California’s Workforce
Introduction	LA Testing provides industrial hygiene and indoor air quality testing services, sampling supplies, test kits, monitoring instruments, and personal protective equipment to detect and mitigate exposure risks to airborne pollutants.
Huntington Beach, California, April 21, 2026 According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), more than three hundred substances found in workplaces can cause or exacerbate asthma. NIOSH defines work-related asthma, also known as occupational asthma, as asthma that is triggered or worsened by exposures encountered on the job. The symptoms of work-related asthma are similar to those of non-work-related asthma and may include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. NIOSH cautions that symptoms may fluctuate over time, and not all affected workers experience every symptom. A wide range of irritants, allergens, and physical conditions can act as asthma triggers in the workplace. Examples identified by NIOSH include: Animal dander, insects, and dust mites Chlorine-based cleaning products Cigarette smoke Cockroach-related materials Cold air Dust from wood, grain, flour, or green coffee beans Gases such as ozone “In addition to mold, NIOSH identifies other asthma triggers such as irritant chemicals, metal dust, physical exertion, pollen and plants, strong fumes, vapors from chemicals like ammonia, isocyanates, and solvents, as well as wood smoke,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “The encouraging news is that work-related asthma can often be prevented or controlled by reducing or eliminating exposure to these triggers. Our California-based laboratories offer testing services, sampling supplies, and monitoring instruments to help detect a broad range of known and suspected asthma triggers, respiratory irritants, and allergens in workplace environments. We also provide respirators and other personal protective equipment to further reduce exposure risks.” LA Testing recently sponsored an educational video addressing work-related asthma and occupational exposure concerns. The video is available at: https://youtu.be/LQqs8MY82Ns For more information about industrial hygiene or indoor air quality testing resources, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com, or call (800) 755-1794. About LA Testing LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for environmental, indoor air quality and material testing for mercury, asbestos, mold, bacteria, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates, and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC Elite, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health, and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro, and San Diego.