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Irritant-induced asthma in the workplace
1Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto Western Hospital EW7-449, 399 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada, susan.tarlo@utoronto.ca.
Current Allergy and Asthma Reports
|December 18, 2013
Summary
Workplace irritant-induced asthma definitions are evolving. While acute high-level exposure defines Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome (RADS), chronic irritant exposure
Area of Science:
- Occupational Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Irritant-induced asthma is a recognized occupational health concern.
- Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome (RADS) is linked to acute, high-level irritant exposure.
- Emerging evidence suggests chronic irritant exposure may also contribute to asthma development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current understanding of irritant-induced asthma in the workplace.
- To differentiate between acute and chronic irritant exposures as causes of asthma.
- To highlight the need for clear clinical definitions for work-related asthma due to chronic irritant exposure.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent articles on irritant-induced asthma.
- Analysis of clinical case definitions, including RADS.
- Consideration of epidemiological findings on chronic exposure risks.
Main Results:
- A clinical case definition for irritant-induced asthma is most clearly associated with acute, high-level irritant exposure (RADS).
- A probable diagnosis of irritant-induced asthma can be made when RADS criteria are mostly met.
- The mechanisms and clinical definitions for asthma linked to chronic workplace irritant exposure remain unclear.
Conclusions:
- Current definitions for irritant-induced asthma primarily address acute exposures.
- Distinguishing between RADS, irritant-induced asthma from chronic exposure, and coincidental new-onset asthma requires further clarification.
- Further research is needed to establish clear diagnostic criteria for work-related asthma caused by chronic irritant exposure.
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