Reference

O'Donnell TV, Welford B, Coleman ED, Potroom asthma: New Zealand experience and follow-up, Am J Ind Med, 1989;15:43-49,

BOHRF Original Authors' Main Conclusions

The original authors' main conclusions are taken from Abstract, Results and Discussion. They are decided upon by the authors of the BOHRF occupational asthma guidelines and form part of the guidelines.

Occupational asthma related to work in potlines in an aluminum smelter has been diagnosed on clinical criteria in 57 workers. About half were regular tobacco smokers but atopy was uncommon. There was a wide range in the time for which each had been employed prior to development of symptoms, but the average was about 20 months. 34 showed non-specific bronchial hyper-reactivity to methacholine. At annual reviews over a period of 5 years following transfer to other work at the smelter, the majority improved in symptoms in 1-2 years and bronchial hyperreactivity returned to normal. However, over the subsequent 3 years, deterioration, not limited to tobacco smokers or atopic subjects, has occurred in some subjects.

BOHRF Associated Evidence Statements

The BOHRF occupational asthma guidelines state that this reference is associated with the following evidence statements

*** 2+ The symptoms and functional impairment of occupational asthma caused by various agents may persist for many years after avoidance of further exposure to the causative agent.

Non Bohrf Information

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