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Work-related asthma and implications for the general public
1Surveillance Branch, Division of Respiratory Disease Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505-2888, USA. elp2@cdc.gov
Environmental Health Perspectives
|August 27, 2002
Summary
Work-related asthma (WRA) is a growing concern, often caused by workplace chemical or antigen exposure. Early intervention and exposure control can lead to complete recovery, offering insights into general asthma management.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Medicine
- Environmental Health
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Asthma prevalence is rising, with a significant increase in occupational asthma (WRA).
- WRA is the leading diagnosed occupational respiratory illness, affecting 10-25% of adult asthma cases.
- Workplace exposures to over 350 agents are linked to new-onset asthma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of occupational exposures in asthma development.
- To understand the relationship between workplace sensitizers and respiratory symptoms.
- To explore the impact of atopy and irritant co-exposures on WRA.
Main Methods:
- Epidemiologic surveillance of WRA incidence rates.
- Analysis of low molecular weight chemical sensitizers and high molecular weight antigens.
- Review of mixed exposures, including cleaning solutions, solvents, and environmental contaminants.
Main Results:
- A dose-response relationship exists between exposure to chemical/protein sensitizers and WRA.
- Skin exposure can increase the risk of developing respiratory symptoms.
- Atopy increases risk for antigen exposure but not chemical sensitizers; irritants can act as adjuvants.
Conclusions:
- WRA is a significant occupational illness with potential for complete resolution upon exposure control.
- Studying WRA can provide valuable insights into general asthma pathogenesis and inflammation.
- Timely control of workplace exposures is crucial for managing WRA and its long-term consequences.