Can the occurrence of bronchial asthma in potroom workers be prevented?
Bronchial reactivity was evaluated in a group of 35 workers at preemployment examination using the metacholine test. Three workers showed an increased bronchial reactivity, the rate being in accordance with the previous experience. Ten randomly chosen subjects with normal reactivity, who were engaged as potroom workers, were followed up during a two-to-five-year period. None of them experienced any significant respiratory complaints and their bronchial reactivity also remained normal. Only one worker had a borderline finding (PD20FEV1). Although selection at preemployment medical examination is a measure that has to be used only exceptionally, based on the finding obtained by non-specific bronchoprovocation challenge it seems that it can be recommended in the case of that particular exposure.
Sarić
M
M
Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia.
Vuksić
M
M
Marelja
J
J
D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests; D006801:Humans; D008669:Metallurgy; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*