Reference

Johnson AR, DimichWardHD, Manfreda J et al, Occupational asthma in adults in six canadian communities, Am J Respir Crit Care Med, 2000;162:2058-2062,

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.

A randomly selected population completed an initial questionnaire, of whom 2,974 (39% response rate) attended the laboratory and completed supplementary questionnaires. Of these latter individuals, 383 had asthma and of these 166 had adult-onset asthma. Asthma was defined as physician-diagnosed asthma, and adult-onset asthma was defined as a first attack at age 15 yr or older. Several methods for estimating occupational asthma were used: (1) reporting of a high-risk job (occupation and industry) for occupational asthma at the time of asthma onset (Probable occupational asthma); (2) reporting of exposure to a substance that may cause occupational asthma (Possible occupational asthma) while not in a high-risk job at the time of asthma onset; and (3) combination of the population attributable risk for high-risk jobs and exposures. Of the individuals with adult-onset asthma, 27 fulfilled the criteria for 'Probable occupational asthma' and 33 for 'Possible occupational asthma'. The percentages of the attendee population with 'Probable occupational asthma' or 'Possible occupational asthma' were 16.3% and 19%, respectively. The percentage with 'Probable' and 'Possible' occupational asthma was 36.1% of all cases of adult-onset asthma. Nursing, baking, hairdressing and chemical, rubber, or plastics processing were common occupations in the 'Probable occupational asthma' group.

BOHRF Associated Evidence Statements

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

The workers reported from population studies to be at increased risk of developing asthma include bakers, food processors, forestry workers, chemical workers, plastics and rubber workers, metal workers, welders, textile workers, electrical and electronic production workers, storage workers, farm workers, waiters, cleaners, painters, plastic workers, dental workers and laboratory technicians.

Non Bohrf Information

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