Occupational exposures and adult asthma.

Abstract

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.

• Authors: Susan M Tarlo
• Journal: Immunology and allergy clinics of North America (Immunol Allergy Clin North Am) Vol. 28 Issue 3 Pg. 563-76, viii (Aug 2008) ISSN: 0889-8561 [Print] United States
• PMID: 18572107 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Adult
• Asthma (etiology)
• Humans
• Occupational Exposure (adverse effects)