At the hospital or clinic

This information is for people that work as healthcare professionals, healthcare assistants, care home workers and cleaners. It gives information on things in the workplace that could damage the lungs and advice on how to protect them.

What are the hazards?

These are some of the hazards you may come into contact with at work.

  • Bacteria and viruses

    Some infectious lung diseases can be transmitted in the workplace particularly if you work in a healthcare environment.

  • Cleaning products

    Including:

    • Quaternary ammonium compounds (e.g. benzalkonium chloride) – found in disinfectants and cleaners for floors and hard surfaces
    • Chlorine-based agents (sodium hypochlorite) – the main ingredient in bleach
    • Chlorhexidine – a disinfectant used to prepare skin for surgery and to clean surgical instruments
    • Chloramines – a chemical compound (mixture) that is created when certain cleaning products come into contact with urine and sweat
    • Hydrogen peroxide – a disinfectant used for instrument disinfection (e.g., endoscopes), often mixed with acids
    • Glutaraldehyde – a disinfectant used to clean heat-sensitive equipment such as dialysis instruments, surgical instruments, suction bottles, bronchoscopes, endoscopes, and ear, nose, and throat instruments
    • Some scents within cleaning products e.g. limonene, which gives some products a citrus smell

  • Surgical smoke

    Some types of surgery, using tools that produce heat from an electric current, can give off toxic gases, particles and vapours. These are usually invisible.

  • Latex

    Found in gloves and other medical equipment. Breathing in latex proteins, which can be released into the air by attaching to cornstarch powder used in some gloves, can trigger an allergic reaction.

Smoking or vaping harms your lungs

Smoking is the biggest risk factor for lung conditions like COPD and lung cancer.
Vaping also exposes your lungs to harmful chemicals.

Quitting smoking or vaping will help protect your lungs.

Nicotine is addictive, and stopping can be difficult.

Conditions

How can your health be affected?

How to protect yourself

Your employer has a responsibility to ensure the work environment is appropriately ventilated and that you are provided with protective clothing and appropriate safety advice.

Here are six things you can do to ensure you’re doing everything you can to protect your lung health at work.

  • Assess Risk

    Do risk assessments to make sure you are doing jobs safely and efficiently.

  • When cleaning

    Use wipes rather than sprays so that you are putting fewer chemicals into the air for you to breathe in. If you have to use sprays, spray the product on the sponge/cloth rather than directly onto the surface you are cleaning.

    Check ingredients in cleaning products and avoid those that will put you at risk, where possible.

    Follow label instructions about the safe use of chemicals.

    Avoid mixing different products – for example, mixing ammonia and bleach together creates toxic fumes which can be lethal.

  • Ventilation

    Ventilate (allow cleaner air into the room, e.g. by opening doors and windows) where possible during and after using cleaning products.

  • Health check-ups

    Get your health checked regularly. If there is a health scheme at your workplace, take part in it. Otherwise, see a healthcare professional regularly and make sure they know about your workplace. Health surveillance might include answering questions about your symptoms or lung function tests. This can help identify problems early.

    If you notice any new symptoms or are concerned about your health, don’t wait. Report them to your doctor or occupational health scheme promptly.

  • Get vaccinated

    Vaccination can protect you from several lung infections you might be exposed to at work, and help keep your lungs healthy.

    Some workplaces offer vaccinations through an occupational health scheme – check if this is available to you. If not, talk to your doctor about which vaccines are right for you.

  • Know what to expect from your employer

    Your employer has a responsibility to reduce your exposure to harmful substances. This can include using safer alternatives where possible, ensuring adequate ventilation, and providing the right equipment, training and safety advice.

    If any of this seems to be missing at your workplace, it is worth raising it with your employer, health and safety representative or union.

More information