Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026
12:02
Collection and Extraction of Occupational Air Samples for Analysis of Fungal DNA
Published on: May 2, 2018
Occupational contact allergens: are they also associated with occupational asthma?
V H Arrandale1, G M Liss, S M Tarlo
1University of Toronto, 223 College Street, Toronto, ON, Canada. victoria.arrandale@utoronto.ca.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|January 13, 2012
Summary
Several common occupational contact allergens can also cause occupational asthma. Controlling workplace inhalation and dermal exposures is crucial for preventing both allergic occupational contact dermatitis and occupational asthma.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Medicine
- Dermatology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Workplace exposures causing both allergic occupational contact dermatitis (AOCD) and occupational asthma (OA) are not well-defined.
- Identifying common agents responsible for both conditions is essential for effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify common occupational contact allergens (OCAs) that may also cause occupational asthma (OA).
- To assess the consistency of sensitizer notations in occupational hygiene resources.
Main Methods:
- Utilized North American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG) data to identify common OCAs.
- Conducted systematic reviews to determine if identified OCAs are reported to cause OA.
- Examined occupational hygiene reference documents for sensitizer notations.
Main Results:
- Identified 10 common OCAs, including epoxy resin, thiuram, and formaldehyde.
- Seven of these OCAs were found to be potential causes of OA.
- Occupational hygiene reference materials showed conflicting information regarding sensitizer potential.
Conclusions:
- Multiple common OCAs pose a risk for causing both AOCD and OA.
- Controlling inhalation and dermal exposures to these agents is recommended.
- Healthcare providers should consider both OA and AOCD as potential health outcomes.
- Greater consistency in sensitizer notations across reference materials is needed.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:13Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations
Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
01:36Types of Toxins
Humans continually engage with an environment rich in potentially harmful chemicals. These are introduced to our bodies through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. These chemicals exist in various forms, such as air and environmental pollutants, agricultural chemicals, organic solvents, and heavy metals.
Air pollutants, primarily gases, pose significant threats to respiratory health, leading to conditions like hypoxia, lung cancer, and in extreme cases, death.
Environmental pollutants like...
Air pollutants, primarily gases, pose significant threats to respiratory health, leading to conditions like hypoxia, lung cancer, and in extreme cases, death.
Environmental pollutants like...