ASTHMA is costing businesses $400 million a year in lost
productivity, according to Asthma Foundation WA executive director John Shave.
His comments follow an Australian Bureau of Statistics
report that found one in 10 Australians suffer from the chronic respiratory
disease.
"The cost comes from employees having to take sick
leave to recover from an asthma attack or taking time off work to care for
children who have the condition," Mr Shave said.
While overall asthma rates are high, the incidence of asthma
among children is even higher with 25 per cent of Western Australian children
developing asthma before their fifth birthday.
The foundation has launched its Care for my Air campaign,
encouraging pregnant women to obtain a Baby Starter Pack.
The packs can be obtained from the website at
www.smokefreebaby.org.au or by phoning
1800 645 130.