Reference

BOHRF Original Authors' Main Conclusions

The original authors' main conclusions are taken from Abstract, Results and Discussion. They are decided upon by the authors of the BOHRF occupational asthma guidelines and form part of the guidelines.

A surveillance scheme of physicians likely to see cases of occupational asthma. A recognised incidence of 43 new cases per million general workers per year was detected. Specific occupational incidences varied from 1833 per million paint sprayers to 8 per million clerks. Agents to which workers were exposed at the time of diagnosis were well recognised (isocyanates 20.4%, flour 8.5%, colophony 8.3%). The most commonly used method of diagnosis was serial peak expiratory flow (PEF) measurement. Its use varied (specialist unit 72%, general chest physicians 50%, compensation board 48%). Other methods of diagnosis were used only infrequently outside the specialist unit. Twenty eight per cent of workers were exposed to the suspected causative agent at the time of diagnosis, 38% were either on long-term sickness absence, had retired, or had become unemployed.

The following comments are from the editors of the BOHRF occupational asthma guidelines and form part of the guidelines.

Occupational groups most affected included: paint sprayers, rubber and plastics workers, electroplaters, foundry core makers and moulders, bakery workers

BOHRF Associated Evidence Statements

The BOHRF occupational asthma guidelines state that this reference is associated with the following evidence statements