What Foods Can Irritate the Lungs? COSHH Risks You Should Know
Most people associate lung irritation with smoking or pollution.
However, certain foods and airborne food particles can also affect respiratory health, especially in workplaces covered by COSHH regulations in the UK.
For healthcare workers, carers, kitchen staff, and food industry employees, understanding these risks is essential.
Learn more in this detailed guide from Care Skills Training.
What Is COSHH?
COSHH protects workers from hazardous substances in the workplace.
This includes:
Chemicals
Dust
Vapours
Allergens
Airborne food particles
Many people overlook the fact that food substances can also become respiratory hazards.
Foods That Can Irritate the Lungs
Some foods may increase inflammation, trigger allergies, or worsen breathing conditions.
Dairy Products
For some people, dairy increases mucus production.
This may worsen symptoms for those with asthma or respiratory sensitivities.
Examples include:
Milk
Cheese
Cream
Ice cream
Fried and Processed Foods
Highly processed foods may contribute to inflammation in the body.
Cooking fumes from fried foods can also irritate the lungs in workplace kitchens.
Common examples:
Chips
Fast food
Crisps
Processed meats
Sulphite-Rich Foods
Sulphites are preservatives found in many packaged foods.
They may trigger asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals.
Foods containing sulphites include:
Dried fruits
Wine
Pickled products
Bottled sauces
Allergy-Trigger Foods
Airborne allergens can create serious workplace respiratory risks.
Common allergens include:
Peanuts
Shellfish
Soy
Wheat
Eggs
Food Dust and Occupational Asthma
Flour dust is one of the most common workplace respiratory hazards in the UK.
Industries affected include:
Bakeries
Catering
Food production
Hospitality
Long-term exposure may lead to occupational asthma.
Symptoms often include:
Wheezing
Chest tightness
Coughing
Breathing difficulty
Why COSHH Training Matters
Proper COSHH awareness helps workers identify respiratory hazards before they become serious.
Training can help staff:
Understand workplace safety
Reduce health risks
Follow UK compliance standards
Protect vulnerable individuals
Improve safeguarding knowledge
The Safeguarding Career Bundle Course is designed for professionals wanting stronger workplace safety and care sector knowledge.
Ways to Reduce Lung Irritation
Simple preventive steps can make a major difference.
Improve Ventilation
Good airflow helps reduce airborne contaminants.
Wear Protective Equipment
Masks and respiratory protection are important in high-risk environments.
Identify Trigger Foods
Tracking symptoms may help identify food-related breathing issues.
Follow COSHH Assessments
Regular workplace assessments reduce exposure risks.
Final Thoughts
Respiratory health is an important part of workplace safety.
Certain foods, allergens, and airborne particles can contribute to breathing problems under COSHH-related environments.
Understanding these risks helps both employers and employees maintain safer workplaces.
Read the full article here: What Foods Can Irritate the Lungs COSHH?
Explore professional workplace safety training here: Safeguarding Career Bundle