Occupational exposures and adult asthma.
Occupational exposures can cause a new onset of asthma in a subset of susceptible workers on the basis of sensitization to a specific work agent or a high-level irritant exposure. Epidemiologic studies give insight into the natural history of occupational asthma, including host factors and environmental factors leading to the development of occupational asthma, the progression, and the potential role of preventive measures. Work-exacerbated asthma has been a focus of studies only recently but is recognized as common among asthmatic workers and is a potential cause of significant morbidity and socioeconomic impact.
University of Toronto and University Health Network, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada. susan.tarlo@utoronto.ca
Susan M
SM
Tarlo
D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*