You may have a workers’ comp claim for medical care and wage benefits — even if your employer says it was “just a reaction” or “not that bad.”
If you’re having shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or burning in your throat after being exposed to chemicals at work, take it seriously. Workplace chemical exposures can trigger asthma-like symptoms, chemical pneumonitis, reactive airway dysfunction syndrome (RADS), bronchitis, or long-term lung irritation—and the effects aren’t always immediate.
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Common workplace chemical exposures that can affect breathing
You don’t have to work in a “chemical plant” to be exposed. Breathing issues can come from:
- Cleaning agents (bleach, ammonia, disinfectants, degreasers)
- Solvents (paint thinner, acetone, toluene, adhesives)
- Fumes and vapors from paints, coatings, epoxies, and sealants
- Isocyanates (often in spray foam insulation, auto body paints)
- Dusts and powders (cement, silica, grain dust, metal fumes)
- Chlorine/chloramine gas (can occur when bleach is mixed with other chemicals)
- Industrial gases or spills/leaks (including confined-space exposures)
Even a one-time exposure can cause serious symptoms. Repeated lower-level exposures can also build into a bigger problem over time.
Symptoms that should never be ignored
After chemical exposure, watch for:
- Shortness of breath (at rest or with activity)
- Wheezing, coughing fits, or “can’t catch my breath”
- Chest tightness or pain
- Burning in the nose, throat, or lungs
- Dizziness, headaches, nausea (can accompany inhalation injuries)
- Symptoms that worsen at work and improve away from work
- New asthma symptoms (especially if you didn’t have asthma before)
Some people feel fine at first, then symptoms worsen later that day or over the next few days.
If you’re struggling to breathe, seek urgent medical care immediately.
What to do right away after a chemical exposure at work
1) Get medical attention and tell them it happened at work
Be direct: “I was exposed to [chemical/fume] at work, and now I’m having breathing problems.” This helps create a medical record that connects your symptoms to workplace exposure.
2) Report it to your employer as soon as possible
Missouri workers’ comp claims can get messy when notice is delayed. Report in writing if you can.
3) Document what you were exposed to
If you can safely do so, write down:
- The chemical name (or product name), and who was present
- Where it happened (room/area, ventilation conditions)
- How long you were exposed and what PPE (if any) you had
- Immediate symptoms and when they started
If there’s a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the product, note it. (You don’t have to argue about science—just preserve facts.)
4) Don’t downplay symptoms because you “need the job”
Many people push through—until the problem becomes chronic. If you have restrictions, follow them.
5) Be careful with recorded statements
Insurance companies may ask for a recorded statement early on. If you’re unsure, getting legal guidance first can prevent misunderstandings from being used against you later.
Why these cases get denied or challenged
Breathing injury claims often depend on medical evidence and a clear timeline. Insurers may dispute claims by saying:
- “You had asthma before this.” (Even if you never had symptoms)
- “It wasn’t a big enough exposure.”
- “It happened outside of work.”
- “No objective findings.”
- “You didn’t report it immediately.”
- “You can work full duty.”
Even when you’ve never had breathing issues before, the insurer may try to frame it as unrelated. The key is prompt treatment, accurate documentation, and strong medical support.
How the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann can help
Our office focuses exclusively on Missouri workers’ compensation, and you’ll work directly with Attorney James M. Hoffmann—not a junior associate or call center.
We help injured workers in St. Louis City/County and across Missouri with:
- Denied or disputed chemical exposure claims
- Getting proper medical treatment authorized
- Wage benefit issues when you’re off work or restricted
- IME/MMI disputes and settlement planning