In the laboratory

This information is for people who work in laboratories, such as technicians, cleaners and researchers, who may work with cell and tissue cultures, chemicals, biological agents, or animals. 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.

  • Dusts

    Working in a laboratory can expose you to dusts from a range of materials which can be released into the air and breathed in.

     If your lab work involves handling animals or cleaning the area where they are kept, you may also breathe in, or have skin contact with, dust from fur, feathers, dead skin, dried urine, saliva or animal droppings, which may contain drugs.

  • Cleaning products

    Including:

    • Benzalkonium chloride (quaternary ammonium compound) – found in disinfectants and cleaners for floors and hard surfaces
    • Chlorine-based agents (sodium hypochlorite) – the main ingredient in bleach
    • Some scents within cleaning products such as limonene which gives products a citrus smell
    • Isothiazolinones – used in some washing up liquids and laundry washing liquids

  • Chemicals

    Including:

    • Formaldehyde – used in a range of ways, for example in preserving samples in medical laboratories, as an embalming fluid, and as a steriliser
    • Solvents – used in various laboratory procedures, including sample preparation and sterilisation
    • Pharmaceutical compounds – if you handle or prepare medicines or drug compounds as part of your work

    Long-term exposure to some laboratory chemicals, such as formaldehyde, has been linked to nasopharyngeal cancer (a cancer of the upper throat, behind the nose).

  • 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.

  • Biological agents

    Some infectious lung diseases can be transmitted in a laboratory setting, particularly if you work with animals, human or animal samples, or cell and tissue cultures.

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

  • Risk Assess

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

    If working with animals, try and reduce the time you spend in the area where they are kept.

  • Ventilation

    Where possible, keep animals in a ventilated place (where fresh air can pass through). If your lab work doesn’t involve animals, use local exhaust ventilation, such as a fume hood, where appropriate.

  • 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.

  • Wear the right protective equipment

    Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) can help reduce exposure to harmful substances, particularly when other measures cannot fully control what’s in the air. Depending on your work, this could include masks, gloves or eye protection. Your employer is responsible for providing the right equipment for your role, as well as training on how to use it correctly.

    Different masks and other PPE are available in a range of sizes and designs. If you are having trouble using the equipment supplied by your employer, you should discuss the options for using a different kind.

  • 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

This site is registered on wpml.org as a development site. Switch to a production site key to remove this banner.