Are there specific health checks for rubber dust exposure?

Yes, if workers are regularly exposed to rubber dust — especially natural rubber latex or synthetic rubber dusts — health checks may be recommended as part of health surveillance under COSHH.

These checks usually include:

• Lung function testing (spirometry) to monitor respiratory health over time

• Skin checks if there’s a risk of dermatitis from direct contact

• Symptom questionnaires to flag early signs of respiratory irritation, asthma, or allergic reactions

Health surveillance should be carried out by a competent occupational health provider and must be proportionate to the level and frequency of exposure. If rubber dust is only present in small amounts or occasionally, formal health checks might not be required — but a documented risk assessment is still important.