The Finnish Institute of Occupational Health has diagnosed occupational asthma related to moisture damage since the 1990s. At the time, it was thought that the disease would develop through an allergy caused by mould. Since 2009, the diagnoses have been based on the recommendation of an expert working group operating under the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.
The legally required causal relationship cannot be demonstrated
According to the Workers’ Compensation Act, an occupational disease is an illness that is likely and mainly caused by a physical, chemical or biological factor of work. There is insufficient medical knowledge about what factors and mechanisms in a moisture-damaged building could lead to the development of asthma.
"We do not have any medical examinations that could show that asthma was most likely and mainly caused by water damage at the workplace," says Irmeli Lindström, Medical Specialist in Pulmonary Diseases from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.
"The current policy does not treat employees equally. Less evidence of a causal relationship has been required in cases related to moisture damage compared to other types of occupational asthma. It has been shown exclusively on the basis of PEF workplace monitoring. This differs from the diagnosis of sensitizer-induced occupational asthma, which requires additional evidence of a work-related allergy or other evidence of a causal connection," Lindström continues.
"That is why we have decided to stop diagnosing occupational asthma related to moisture damage. This matter has also been discussed with trade unions and other key stakeholders," says Eva Helaskoski, Director, Chief Physician at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.
The change does not affect asthma treatment
Ending the diagnosis of occupational asthma related to moisture damage does not affect the treatment of asthma. Symptoms associated with workplace indoor environments will still be investigated by occupational health care and asthma tests will be carried out, if necessary. Workspaces with good indoor air quality are recommended for all people with asthma.
People with asthma are eligible for subsidies from Kela for the costs of asthma medication and rehabilitation as well as the maintenance of work ability.
Instead of diagnosing occupational diseases, healthcare resources should be directed to carrying out comprehensive health assessments and supporting work ability for those suffering from prolonged symptoms associated with indoor environments. The Finnish Institute of Occupational Health has drawn up guidelines to healthcare operators and workplaces.
The employer’s responsibilities for employees' health and safety remain unchanged
Trade unions in particular have been concerned about whether buildings moisture damages will be investigated and repaired sufficiently in the future. However, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the employer must ensure the health and safety of employees at work. The condition of buildings and working conditions must be taken care of.
“These employer obligations will not change, even if the diagnosis of occupational asthma related to moisture damage is waived” says Helaskoski.
See the guidelines by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health
Assessment of health effects in connection with indoor air issues (in Finnish and Swedish only)
www.ttl.fi/PEE (in Finnish and Swedish only)
Link to an article in Lääkärilehti 7.11.2025
Ammattiastman diagnostiikassa tulee kosteusvaurioissa luopua
Further information
Irmeli Lindström, Medical Specialist in Pulmonary Diseases, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, tel. +358 (0)46 851 1898, irmeli.lindstrom[at]ttl.fi
Hille Suojalehto, Chief Physician, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, tel. +358 (0)43 820 0363, hille.suojalehto[at]ttl.fi
Eva Helaskoski, Director, Chief Physician, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, tel. +358 (0)46 851 2432, eva.helaskoski[at]ttl.fi at]ttl.fi
