Delta Plus News Occupational allergies and PPE: how to protect yourself

Occupational allergies and PPE: how to protect yourself

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO)1 , allergies are one of the chronic diseases on the rise worldwide. In the workplace, well-chosen and correctly used PPE acts as a barrier against allergens present in the workplace and helps to prevent occupational allergies. Explanations.

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Occupational allergies and PPE: how to protect yourself

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO)1 , allergies are one of the chronic diseases on the rise worldwide. In the workplace, well-chosen and correctly used PPE acts as a barrier against allergens present in the workplace and helps to prevent occupational allergies. Explanations.

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Expertise

Health and PPE

Update 22.12.25

Occupational allergies: what are we talking about?

An occupational allergy is an allergic reaction triggered by exposure to one or more substances present in the workplace. 

Several sectors of activity may be affected, such as exposure to: 

  • flour for bakers
  • wood, dust or cement for carpenters and construction professionals
  • cleaning products for cleaners
  • various dyes and chemicals for hairdressers, etc. 

Occupational allergies: symptoms and prevention

Warning signs include sneezing and coughing, itching, red or watery eyes, etc. and, more rarely, anaphylactic reactions with a risk of oedema.

An allergy diagnosis will be made following a medical examination, including an assessment of working conditions and specialised allergy tests.

To remedy this, an adjustment or change of position may be considered, as well as the implementation of preventive measures (ventilation, etc.) and the wearing of personal protective equipment.

PPE: a physical barrier against allergens

PPE is the standard solution for limiting the risk of occupational allergic reactions: 

  • protective gloves provide an effective barrier against chemicals and contact allergens
  • respiratory masks help filter allergenic particles and vapours
  • safety glasses provide eye protection against irritating splashes
  • protective clothing provides complete insulation for the body
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PPE and skin allergies: make way for "0%" PPE

 

However, like any equipment that comes into prolonged contact with the skin, some PPE may itself cause skin contact allergies. These manifest as dry skin, redness, irritation, swelling, and even eczema or hives. 

These reactions may be due to:

  • latex sensitivity in gloves worn by healthcare or maintenance personnel,
  • irritation caused by prolonged wearing of a respirator mask, 
  • reactions to chrome-tanned leather in certain safety footwear, or to certain dyes, adhesives or nickel used in protective clothing and their metal accessories. 

Delta Plus offers equipment to prevent such contact, including: 

  • nitrile and powder-free gloves, rather than latex gloves
  • cotton undergloves or undergarments to wear between the skin and PPE
  • PPE made from breathable materials to prevent excessive perspiration, which can aggravate dermatit

* GA²LEN. Does rhinitis lead to asthma? General practitioner.

Discover our range of 0% PPE: protective equipment free from irritants and toxic substances – a guide to help you choose PPE that takes into account the sensitivity of your employees. 


In addition to PPE designed to protect your employees from allergies, discover our dielectric PPE developed to protect the safety of workers on electrical sites.

What is an occupational allergy? 

An occupational allergy is an allergic reaction triggered by exposure to substances present in the workplace, such as chemicals, dust or biological allergens.

What types of allergic reactions are there? 

There are generally four types of allergic reactions: skin, nasal, eye and respiratory. 

What should you do if you have an occupational allergy? 

You should consult an occupational physician, adapt or change your job if necessary, and implement preventive measures (protective equipment, ventilation, etc.). Identifying and understanding the allergenic factors is essential to protect yourself, by avoiding contact via PPE without the products concerned, or by working over the long term to reduce your sensitivity.

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