LATE-BREAKING ABSTRACT: Breathtaking jobs: Respiratory work disability by occupation in a sample from the general population in Norway

Abstract

Introduction: It has been shown that respiratory work disability is associated with exposure to vapours, gases, dust, and fumes (VGDF) at the workplace. The use of crude exposure categories may, however, lead to loss of power. More specific information is needed for workplace interventions and prevention of respiratory work disability. The aim of this study was to assess the association between specific occupations and job change. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was mailed to a random sample of the general population, aged 16 to 50, and living in Telemark County, Norway. We defined respiratory work disability as a positive response to the survey question “Have you ever had to change or leave your job because it affected your breathing?” The occupation in the year prior the job change was classified by using an asthma-specific job-exposure matrix. Comparison of risks was made for those reporting a job change and matched controls. Results: Two hundred and forty eight workers (1.5 %) had ever changed their job due to respiratory symptoms at work. The “breathtaking jobs” (occupations with significant increase in the risk of job change) are listed in table 1. Conclusion: An increased risk of respiratory work disability was associated with certain occupations for which preventive measures should be taken.