Occupational asthma is one of the most debilitating forms of occupational ill-health. HSE estimates that, allowing for under-reporting, there are between 1500 and 3000 new cases each year.

The use of disposable powdered latex gloves poses an additional risk both to the user and to sensitised people in the vicinity. Powder is often used in gloves to facilitate donning and removal of the gloves. When powdered gloves are removed the powder (often cornstarch) containing allergenic latex proteins is scattered into the air. Therefore, a sensitised person can be exposed to latex allergens by being close to someone who is removing gloves.