[International medico-legal aspects of occupational asthma]

The authors explain the different types of legislation, according to dissimilar systems, which enable the Social Security or private services to take charge of the care required for occupationally acquired asthma. They emphasize that compensation is currently specified in the different countries by official international organisations. Also, the after-effects ought to be considered according to the particular norms in the asthmatic patient. The consequences of these facts on the necessity of a policy of prevention are described.