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Colophony & Asthma

Colophony is the sticky, yellow rosin from spruce and pine tree trunks. After the rosin is tapped and distilled, it produces colophony and turpentine oil. A proven cause of occupational asthma in the United Kingdom, according to the Auckland Allergy Clinic, it is also known to produce nose and eye irritation, as well as chronic cough.

  1. Products That Contain Colophony

    • Colophony is found in so many everyday products that it is sometimes difficult to entirely avoid the substance if an allergy develops. Colophony can be found in anything from cosmetics to chewing gum to fireworks and stains and varnishes. Other names of colophony include rosin, tall oil and abietic alcohol.

    At-Risk Groups

    • Most sufferers of work-related asthma are workers who inhale heated colophony fumes, mainly in the form of solder. Other at-risk occupations include any which include excessive exposure to adhesive, tyre and paper. Factory workers, welders and even violin string makers are at risk for developing occupational asthma from breathing resin fumes.

    Symptoms

    • In order to determine whether asthma is caused by an occupational exposure, monitor whether symptoms improve when away from work. If they recur when returning to work, occupational causes should be considered. According to Web MD, "Symptoms of occupational asthma include general symptoms of an asthma attack, such as cough, wheeze, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulty. Eye irritation, nasal congestion, and/or runny nose may also be present. As stated previously, this can be allergy related or an irritant reaction from exposure to asthma triggers in the workplace."

    Solder Fumes

    • Solder fumes from welding are one of the greatest occupational hazards and can cause irreparable lung damage over time. Repertory sensitizers are triggered and, once activated, can be triggered by the smallest exposure. Symptoms only get more severe over time, and some welders cannot return to work.

    Treatment

    • Long-term avoidance is the best treatment. Carefully read product labels to see if they contain any type of rosin. Request safety gear such as gloves and a face mask from the employer if forced to be in contact with any such substances in the workplace. OSHA has guidelines for acceptable use of products that cause asthma, according to Web MD. If working conditions trigger asthma symptoms, many employers are willing to provide a more suitable work environment.

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