title: Web based listing of agents associated with new onset work-related asthma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Work-related asthma is common and yet remains a challenge to diagnose. Access to a listing of agents associated with work-related asthma has been suggested as useful in assisting in the diagnosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics (AOEC) developed criteria that were used to review the peer-reviewed medical literature published in English. Based on this review, substances were designated either as a sensitizing agent or an irritant. The reviews were conducted by a board certified internist/pulmonologist/occupational medicine specialist from 2002 to 2007 and a board certified internist/occupational medicine physician from 2008- date. All reviews were then reviewed by the nine member AOEC board of directors.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The original list of agents associated with new onset work-related asthma was derived from the tables of a text book on work-related asthma. After 13 years of review, there are 327 substances designated as asthma agents on the AOEC list; 173 (52.9%) coded as sensitizers, 35 (10.7%) as generally recognized as an asthma causing agent, four (1.2%) as irritants, two (0.6%) as both a sensitizer and an irritant and 113(34.6%) agents that still need to be reviewed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The AOEC has developed a readily available web based listing of agents associated with new onset work-related asthma in adults. The listing is based on peer-reviewed criteria. The listing is updated twice a year. Regular review of the peer-reviewed medical literature is conducted to determine whether new substances should be added to the list. Clinicians should find the list useful when considering the diagnosis of work-related asthma.
authors: Michigan State University, 909 Fee Hall, Room 117 West Fee, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. Electronic address: Rosenman@msu.edu.
authors: K D
authors: KD
authors: Rosenman
authors: Department of Medicine, Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, USA.
authors: W S
authors: WS
authors: Beckett
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens / Q000145:classification / Q000506:poisoning; D001249:Asthma / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D016208:Databases, Factual; D005260:Female; D005976:Glutaral / Q000737:chemistry / Q000506:poisoning; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007509:Irritants / Q000145:classification / Q000506:poisoning; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000517:prevention & control; D017132:Workplace
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D007509:Irritants; D005976:Glutaral
keywords: Allergens; Irritants; Work-related asthma