Work-related asthma in the spray-on truck bed lining industry.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to identify work-related asthma (WRA) workers' compensation claims associated with methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) exposure in the spray-on truck bed lining industry and estimate the asthma incidence rate in this industry.


METHODS
The authors conducted a descriptive study of workers' compensation claims meeting an established surveillance case definition for WRA.


RESULTS
Eight WRA workers' compensation claims were identified in the truck bed lining industry in Washington State for a claims incidence rate of 200 per 10,000 full-time equivalent. The medical evaluation of the cases was inadequate because none of the truck bed lining cases had medical testing to objectively link their asthma to the workplace.


CONCLUSIONS
The rate of work-related asthma in the truck bed lining industry is excessive and suggests a need for significant intervention, including improvements in the clinical assessment provided to MDI-exposed workers.
Bonauto
David K
DK
Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention (SHARP) Program, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Olympia, Washington, USA.
Sumner
Austin D
AD
Curwick
Christy C
CC
Whittaker
Stephen G
SG
Lofgren
Don J
DJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology*; D001336:Automobiles / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D014051:Toluene 2,4-Diisocyanate / Q000009:adverse effects; D014861:Washington / Q000453:epidemiology; D014942:Workers' Compensation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D014051:Toluene 2,4-Diisocyanate