Those regularly exposed to cleaning products, metal, metal fumes and flour are most likely to develop asthma.
Researchers looked at the records of about 7,500 British adults whose health was tracked from birth in 1958.
Details of asthma symptoms, or wheezy bronchitis, was collated at the age of seven, 11, 16, 33 and 42.
Those who had reported these symptoms before the age of 16 were excluded from the studies and the rest were tested for sensitivity to allergens.
Their lung power between the ages of 42 and 45 was looked at and they were asked about their work history.
The results showed that asthma that starts in adulthood is linked to 18 types of jobs.
The risk to farmers was quadrupled, while printers were three times more likely to develop the condition.
Hairdressers and cleaners had almost double the risk of developing breathing problems.
Those exposed to flour, cleaning or disinfectant products, metal and metal fumes and textile production were 53 percent more likely to suffer from asthma.
Cleaning products have previously been identified as a possible cause of asthma and researchers said there were consistently higher risks among cleaning jobs or jobs likely to include cleaning.
Although how to solve the problem is known, there would be a cost issue for small to medium businesses who may have to change working practices to combat the risks.
Other professions more likely to be affected by asthma in their adult years include cooks, hairdressers, construction and manufacturing labourers and typesetters.