Reference

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.

Aimed to study the role of exposure, atopy and smoking in the development of LAA. Study showed that both non-atopic and atopic people seemed to have an increased risk related to exposure intensity when exposed to laboratory animal allergens. Atopic people developed LAA earlier and in more severe forms (asthma) than non-atopics (13% v 6%). The mean time until development of symptoms of LAA was about 109 months in non-atopic people, and 45 months in atopic people. This time until development of first symptoms was also longer than previously reported. More people with asthmatic symptoms were found in the high exposure categories. Time until development of symptoms of LAA was shorter at a higher intensity of exposure, except for those exposed for less than two hours a week. Authors conclude that exposure and atopy are significant predictors of LAA and that the risk of developing LAA remained present for a much longer period (>3 years) than considered before.

BOHRF Associated Evidence Statements

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