Physical Impairments and Work Retention

Harriet White is a 56-year-old widowed mother of a grown daughter. She was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease one year ago. She also has work-induced asthma. She was a 1-pack-a-day smoker but stopped three years ago when her husband contracted lung cancer. She lives in a one bedroom apartment on the ground floor of a low rise building with her dog. She works as manager of the spa of a large downtown hotel but fills in with hair dressing, manicure/pedicure, and esthetician (facials and makeup) duties as required. She was reassessed for her pulmonary status six months ago and her VO2 max level was 13ml/kg/min. She frequently experiences shortness of breath and coughing bouts when using aerosols (e.g., hair spray), mixing chemicals (e.g., dyes, permanent solutions), and applying artificial nails. She has been off work for 3 weeks with a respiratory tract infection.
• What occupational triggers for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may have been present for Mrs. White and what ones should she try to avoid in future?
• Do you anticipate that Harriet can return to her usual work at this time? Ever? Why or why not?
• If Harriet does return to work, what accommodations might help her in the performance of her duties?
NB – There are not necessarily right or wrong answers to these questions but your answers should be backed by available evidence and sound reasoning.