A fresh start. Report of a one-day workshop on occupational asthma in the aluminium industry

The workshop was successful from a number of viewpoints. It achieved the general goal of a greater understanding of respiratory problems in the aluminium industry. A free exchange of information and attitudes occurred. While the prevalence of asthma was not high compared with other occupational asthmas, it was noteworthy. The industry had embarked on a programme for the development of standard criteria of diagnosis and of the collection of statistics that related to the condition. Some concerns remain. It is to be hoped that further developments will be derived from the workshop, including opportunities for research and for a better understanding of the occupational-health issues and practices in the primary aluminium industry in Australasia.