What is the frequency of occupational asthma?
|
***
|
2++
|
Occupational factors are estimated to account for 9-15% of cases of asthma in adults of working age, including new onset or recurrent disease.
|
This statement is in the "Epidemiology"
section of evidence linked statements
Evidence
Balmes J, Becklake M, Blanc P et al
,
American Thoracic Society Statement: Occupational Contribution to the Burden of Airway Disease
,
Am J Respir Crit Care Med
,
2003
;
167
:
787-797
Blanc PD & Toren K
,
How much adult asthma can be attributed to occupational factors?
,
Am J Respir Crit Care Med
,
1999
;
107
:
580-587
Principal reccomendations
This statement supports the following principal reccomendations
View the principal reccomendations
|
Employers, health and safety personnel and health practitioners should be aware that at least 1 in 10 cases of new or recurrent asthma in adult life are attributable to occupation.
|
|
Health practitioners should consider the use of skin prick or serological tests as part of the health surveillance of workers exposed to agents that cause IgE associated occupational asthma to assess the effectiveness of the control of exposure and the risk of occupational asthma among workers.
|