The British Health and Safety Executive inform: Breathing in certain dusts,
gases, fumes and vapours within the workplace can cause asthma. Flour dust and
enzymes containing additives such as amylase are the second most common cause
of occupational asthma. Flour dust and enzymes containing additives such as
amylase are the second most common cause of occupational asthma. They also
cause dermatitis.

It can affect workers in bakeries, flour mills and kitchens.

Top tips

• Work carefully - avoid raising clouds of dust


• Either use dust extraction or respiratory protective equipment for dusty
  tasks.


• Never sweep up or use compressed air. Clean up using wet methods or an
  industrial vacuum cleaner.


• You need regular health surveillance.

Reduce disease - reduce exposure to dust

Dust clouds arise from throwing flour, disposing of empty flour bags and
brushing. Bag emptying, sieving, dough making and dusting tasks all create a
lot of dust.

Work gently! Start up mixers on slow speed until wet and dry ingredients are
combined. Use dredgers or sprinklers for dusting.

More information

AplusA-online.de - Source: Health and Safety Executive