Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026
14:39
Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
34.4K
A case of occupational asthma in a plastic injection process worker
Jong Suk Lee, Hyun Seok Kwak, Byung Soon Choi
1Occupational Lung Diseases Institute, Korea Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service, Ansan, Korea. ggoragi@gmail.com.
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
|January 30, 2014
Summary
A plastic injection process worker died from an asthma attack. Exposure to styrene and other harmful substances released during the plastic injection process likely caused occupational asthma.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Medicine
- Toxicology
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition.
- Occupational asthma is triggered by workplace exposures.
- Plastic injection molding involves various chemical exposures.
Observation:
- A patient with a history of asthma died from an acute asthma attack.
- The patient worked in a plastic injection process.
- The patient's asthma was in remission prior to the fatal attack.
Findings:
- Analysis of resins from the plastic injection process revealed styrene, a known cause of occupational asthma.
- Other potentially asthma-inducing substances like formaldehyde and acrolein can be released during resin processing.
- The patient's conventional asthma was in remission, suggesting an occupational trigger.
Implications:
- This case highlights the risk of occupational asthma in plastic injection workers.
- Workplace exposure monitoring and control measures are crucial for preventing occupational asthma.
- Further research into specific workplace triggers and preventative strategies is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
3.6K
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...
3.6K
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
112
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...
112
01:36Types of Toxins
3.7K
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...
3.7K
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
4.7K
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:
4.7K
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
1.5K
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.
1.5K
01:13Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations
49
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,...
49