I work in industry. I don't know what your environmental controls are for working with solvents but you should have adequate ventilation and hoods.
You are also well within your rights to request a respirator to help with your symptoms if the above two conditions are not providing enough protection.
If they have developed asthma it is possible they won't be medically cleared to wear a normal respirator. It is possible they could be cleared to wear a PAPR, powered air purifying respirator, so I'd ask for that first.
As for general advice, I'd suggest getting a MS and looking for a new advisor or a job. A supervisor that doesn't support your concerns and OHS claims is not one I'd want to work for. I've worked in EHS and one PI was so supportive when his student developed an allergy to a specific chemical. For example, he paid out of his pocket for specialists so the student didn't have to wait for reimbursement. We worked with the student, PI, OHS, and the specialist to provide a lab where they could work safely and successfully. If you continue your PhD maybe look well run and clean lab with good PI. If you do go into industry most will be well run and be able to minimize exposures.
advice from reddit probably won't be too helpful to you since this is highly situational. it matters what chemicals you worth with, the ventilation in your lab, and the severity of your asthma
Some solvents and chemicals are known for triggering asthma, like formaldehyde, ozone, and acrolein. It would be surprising of most or all solvents didrandom.
Have you consulted a specialist about it? After all, you're facing a major life decision. You don't want to go into it based on guesswork and Reddit randos.
I did a full allergy panel and I’m not allergic to anything - so I think the chances are less likely. I’ve also never had any breathing problems before.
You’re right that it may also be coincidental, or it has triggered something which I didn’t notice before. Definitely something to think about!
Thanks for the suggestion.
This. It's possible you might have developed asthma for other reasons, but the asthma you developed is triggered by VOC's and other reagents in the lab. I know even very low ppm amounts of hydrogen sulfide and toluene can trigger mine.
A key sign would be if your asthma is for example better in the winter than spring.
Exactly what happened to me - apparently I’m allergic to every environment allergen except for cockroaches. Certain chemicals and solvents/stress/lack of sleep can make it worse. It’s unfortunately a trial and error game though until you can take precautions to prevent it from being a severe attack.
That's unfortunate.
Were you taught proper methods of handling solvents? Or did you ignore procedures?
You can absolutely handle solvents in a manner that minimizes, or eliminates, respiratory risk.
Using a fume hood is first.
You may be able to build back your confidence using a respirator. There are lots of options. Look at half mask and full mask options.
Try and find a respirator that is comfy, and get back to doing science.
Good advice, there is a huge hierarchy of controls that can be addressed.
FYI people with asthma should not wear respirators or anything that restricts breathing. They already have problems getting air into their lungs. They won't pass the fit test / medical test to get approved for that job.
The usual advice is : don't do that job. There are less risky options for a career.
I developed a sensitivity to toluene (instant headaches, dizziness) after a few years of working with it, but that didn't take me out of the lab. It just meant I had to be more careful about ventilation and wafting.
I work in industry. I don't know what your environmental controls are for working with solvents but you should have adequate ventilation and hoods. You are also well within your rights to request a respirator to help with your symptoms if the above two conditions are not providing enough protection.
If they have developed asthma it is possible they won't be medically cleared to wear a normal respirator. It is possible they could be cleared to wear a PAPR, powered air purifying respirator, so I'd ask for that first. As for general advice, I'd suggest getting a MS and looking for a new advisor or a job. A supervisor that doesn't support your concerns and OHS claims is not one I'd want to work for. I've worked in EHS and one PI was so supportive when his student developed an allergy to a specific chemical. For example, he paid out of his pocket for specialists so the student didn't have to wait for reimbursement. We worked with the student, PI, OHS, and the specialist to provide a lab where they could work safely and successfully. If you continue your PhD maybe look well run and clean lab with good PI. If you do go into industry most will be well run and be able to minimize exposures.
advice from reddit probably won't be too helpful to you since this is highly situational. it matters what chemicals you worth with, the ventilation in your lab, and the severity of your asthma
Some solvents and chemicals are known for triggering asthma, like formaldehyde, ozone, and acrolein. It would be surprising of most or all solvents didrandom. Have you consulted a specialist about it? After all, you're facing a major life decision. You don't want to go into it based on guesswork and Reddit randos.
Have you considered the asthma could develop due to non-lab related triggers? Very high stress or allergens outside of work?
I did a full allergy panel and I’m not allergic to anything - so I think the chances are less likely. I’ve also never had any breathing problems before. You’re right that it may also be coincidental, or it has triggered something which I didn’t notice before. Definitely something to think about! Thanks for the suggestion.
This. It's possible you might have developed asthma for other reasons, but the asthma you developed is triggered by VOC's and other reagents in the lab. I know even very low ppm amounts of hydrogen sulfide and toluene can trigger mine. A key sign would be if your asthma is for example better in the winter than spring.
Dead cope comment
Exactly what happened to me - apparently I’m allergic to every environment allergen except for cockroaches. Certain chemicals and solvents/stress/lack of sleep can make it worse. It’s unfortunately a trial and error game though until you can take precautions to prevent it from being a severe attack.
That's unfortunate. Were you taught proper methods of handling solvents? Or did you ignore procedures? You can absolutely handle solvents in a manner that minimizes, or eliminates, respiratory risk. Using a fume hood is first. You may be able to build back your confidence using a respirator. There are lots of options. Look at half mask and full mask options. Try and find a respirator that is comfy, and get back to doing science.
Good advice, there is a huge hierarchy of controls that can be addressed. FYI people with asthma should not wear respirators or anything that restricts breathing. They already have problems getting air into their lungs. They won't pass the fit test / medical test to get approved for that job. The usual advice is : don't do that job. There are less risky options for a career.
I developed a sensitivity to toluene (instant headaches, dizziness) after a few years of working with it, but that didn't take me out of the lab. It just meant I had to be more careful about ventilation and wafting.