University Fined Over Staff Asthma Linked to Animal Allergens
Cardiff University has been fined £280,000 after two laboratory staff members developed asthma due to exposure to animal allergens while working in its facilities.
Both employees suffered lifelong health conditions, with one unable to continue their employment. One affected individual reported experiencing
"terrible" breathing and struggling to walk any distance.
Health and Safety Executive Investigation
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) determined that the university failed to adequately control risks related to animal allergen exposure over a 15-year period, extending until last year. The HSE described this prolonged failure as
"truly concerning."
Cardiff University issued an apology to the impacted staff and stated that it had taken steps to resolve the issues identified by the HSE.
Details of the Breach
The HSE's investigation revealed that from 2008 to 2025, the university did not identify or implement sufficient controls to prevent staff exposure to animal allergens.
One employee disclosed being diagnosed with occupational asthma and occupational rhinitis, noting a reduction in lung function by one-third. They described their condition:
"My breathing has been terrible, and I struggle walking any distance. Going upstairs is really difficult.
I have to take a steroid inhaler, a nasal spray and a bronchodilator throughout the day as I need it."
"I become breathless during long conversations and cannot walk and talk at the same time."
Legal Outcome and University Response
The HSE found that Cardiff University breached health and safety legislation by failing to implement proper protective measures against exposure to animal allergens. The university admitted to these breaches and was ordered by Cardiff Magistrates' Court on 30 April to pay £11,745 in costs in addition to the fine.
HSE Inspector Janet Hensey commented on the case:
"This went on for 15 years [and] is truly concerning.
Occupational asthma is a recognised work-related disease with potentially disabling consequences."
Cardiff University issued a statement:
"We are deeply sorry and apologise to the staff members who have been directly impacted.
This relates to a specific period during which the university acknowledges that it did not always meet its responsibilities to adequately protect employees from exposure to laboratory animal allergens in one of our animal facilities."
The university reassured the public regarding current safety standards:
"People should not be concerned about safety in university buildings.
The issues identified in the charge have already been addressed through significant improvements following a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) improvement notice.
The university's guilty plea and fine does not affect their ability to operate or the current staff working in them."
