Work-related Asthma Cases Research Articles

Linkage of administrative and compensation databases for work-related asthma surveillance in Ontario: A proof of concept study

RATIONALE: Approximately 15% of all asthma cases are work-related and eligible for workers’ compensation in Ontario. However, compensation rates of work-related asthma (WRA) are far less than predicted, making it difficult to estimate the prevalence of the disease. OBJECTIVES We aimed to estimate prevalence of compensated WRA in Ontario; profile the pattern of compensated WRA by demographic, temporal and geographic factors; and demonstrate the potential for database linkage to monitor rates of compensated WRA cases. METHODS Compensated WRA claims data were linked to asthma cases in the Institute of Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) asthma database via encrypted health card numbers. WRA claims between April 1998 and March 2002 were accessed from: i) the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) Occupational Disease Information Surveillance System (ODISS); and ii) a University of Toronto research database (RD) created by abstracting the same WSIB ODISS claim files. MAIN RESULTS: The estimated prevalence of WRA among individuals with asthma in the asthma database was less than 1% compared to an expected prevalence of 15-20%. Sensitivity of the Asthma database for including individuals with asthma with WRA was very good but differed significantly based on claims category (p < 0.001) compared to the RD as the gold standard. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest WRA is severely under-reported. Approximately 11-15% of compensated WRA claims are not captured by the asthma database. Factors accounting for discordance between databases should be explored in order for administrative data linkage to be used to monitor the rates of compensated WRA cases in Ontario.

Main Causal Agents of Occupational Asthma in France, Reported to the National Network for Occupational Disease Vigilance and Prevention (RNV3P) 2001-2018.

The definition of work-related Asthma (WRA) has changed in recent years and new etiologies and agents have been identified. The aim of this study is to describe the main causal agents of WRA in France in the period 2001-2018 in the main work sectors. Data were collected from the French national network of occupational health surveillance and prevention [Réseau National de Vigilance et de Prévention des Pathologies Professionnelles (RNV3P)], Data between 2001 and 2018 with at least a probable or certain association with one occupational agent, were included. Work sectors with more cases OF WRA included personal service activities (10.6%), food industry (10.2%) and healthcare activities (7.6%). WRA cases were most frequently related to flour (10%), quaternary ammoniums compounds (5.3%), isocyanates (5.1%) and cleaning products (4.8%). Occupational exposure to specific agents capable of causing WRA is still present, and four agents represent more than 25% of the cases. Actions to prevent respiratory exposure are still relevant.

Surveillance of work-related asthma including the emergence of a cannabis-associated case series in Washington State

Objective We conducted surveillance for work-related asthma (WRA) in Washington State to identify the industry sectors and asthma exposures most commonly affecting injured workers and in need of prevention activities. Methods Using workers’ compensation data as the primary data source, valid cases were classified as work-aggravated asthma (WAA) or new onset asthma that includes occupational asthma (OA) and reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS). The source of exposure that caused the worker’s asthma, their industry and occupation were determined. Results There were 784 valid work-related asthma cases identified for the period 2009–2016, WAA (n = 529) was most common followed by occupational asthma (n = 127) and RADS (n = 12). The Health Care and Social Assistance industry had the highest number of cases (n = 170) with 82% classified as WAA. The highest overall proportions of new onset asthma are occurring in Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting (33% of work related asthma cases), Manufacturing (31%) and Construction (30%). The leading substances associated with new onset asthma across all industries include hop plant dust, wood and cedar dust, mineral and inorganic dust, mold, and cleaning materials. We describe ten cases of cannabis-associated asthma including seven from workers in the legalized cannabis industry, four of whom had OA. Conclusion State-based work-related asthma surveillance is critical in identifying the workers and exposures associated with this occupational disease, including the detection of a case-series in the cannabis industry.

The Burden of Work-related Asthma in Michigan, 1988-2018.

Rationale: Exposure to a variety of substances in the workplace can cause new-onset asthma or aggravate preexisting asthma, both of which are considered work-related asthma (WRA). Understanding trends in the nature and causes of WRA can assist in the diagnosis and management of adult patients with asthma.Objective: To describe trends over 31 years of WRA surveillance in Michigan.Methods: Michigan law requires reporting of all known or suspected cases of occupational disease. WRA was confirmed by review of a standardized telephone interview and patient medical records. Enforcement inspections at the workplaces of the WRA cases included air monitoring and evaluation for asthma and asthma symptoms among coworkers.Results: The Michigan surveillance program identified 3,634 WRA cases from 1988 to 2018, including nine deaths. The cumulative incidence rate of WRA decreased from 3.5 to 2.0 cases per 100,000 workers. Cases most frequently worked in manufacturing (56%), health care (12%), and education (4%). The cumulative incidence rate of WRA decreased in each of those three industries, while increasing in retail trade and accommodations and food services. The most common exposures to known asthma inducers were to cleaning agents and isocyanates; the percentage exposed to cleaning agents increased from 5% to 20%, and the percentage exposed to isocyanates decreased from 20% to 7%. Fifty-one percent had not applied for workers' compensation benefits. Only 5% of the 571 workplaces where air sampling was performed were above the allowable exposure limit. Fifteen percent (1,622 of 10,493) of coworkers of the index cases reported onset of asthma since beginning to work at the facility or being bothered at work by daily or weekly chest tightness, shortness of breath, or wheezing.Conclusions: The industries and exposures where Michigan adults develop WRA have changed during the past 31 years. The identification of WRA cases, including WRA deaths, underscores the need for continued vigilance to monitor changes in where and how workers are exposed to asthma-causing agents, physician consideration of workplace exposures in new-onset or worsening adult asthma, and adoption of workplace standards that reduce exposure and require workplace medical monitoring to prevent and reduce the morbidity and mortality of WRA.

Cleaning Products and Work-Related Asthma, 10 Year Update.

To describe the frequency of work-related asthma (WRA) and characteristics of individuals with exposure to cleaning products 1998 to 2012, compared with 1993 to 1997. Cases of WRA from products used for cleaning or disinfecting surfaces were identified from California, Massachusetts, Michigan (1998 to 2012), New Jersey (1998 to 2011), and New York (2009 to 2012). There were 1199 (12.4%) cleaning product cases among all 9667 WRA cases; 77.8% women, 62.1% white non-Hispanic, and average age of 43 years. The highest percentages worked in healthcare (41.1%), and were building cleaners (20.3%), or registered nurses (14.1%). The percentage of WRA cases from exposure to cleaning products from 1998 to 2012 was unchanged from 1993 to 1997 indicating that continued and additional prevention efforts are needed to reduce unnecessary use, identify safer products, and implement safer work processes.

Work-related asthma surveillance in Washington State: time trends, industry rates, and workers’ compensation costs, 2002–2016

Objective: Washington State’s work-related asthma (WRA) surveillance program utilizes workers’ compensation (WC) data as its primary data source and has spanned a 15-year time period. This study analyses trends for WRA claim incidence rates compared to all WC claim incidence rates. WRA claim incidence rates and WC costs are analyzed by industry. Methods: Potential WRA cases were identified through the WC system and through direct provider report and classified by industry, age, and year of illness onset. WRA claim rates by industry and year were calculated using total work hours reported by employers covered by the WC system. Claim costs for accepted claims were compared by industry and year. Results: WRA claim incidence rates decreased 8.9% (95% CI: –10.6, –7.2) annually for the time period 2002–2016. The decline in WRA claim incidence rate is slightly faster than the incidence rate for all WC claims which had its steepest decrease from 2007 to 2010 at an estimated annual 8.4% decrease (95% CI: –11.8, –5.0). WRA claim rates were highest for workers in Public Administration, Manufacturing, and the Agricultural, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting industries. Median claim costs for WRA did not change significantly by year (p = 0.2, range $595–$1442) and the distribution of WRA WC claim costs by industry were highest in Manufacturing (21.3%) and Construction (16.4%) industries. Conclusion: WRA claim incidence rates are declining in Washington State. The cause for the decline is unclear. Workers across all industries in Washington remain at risk for WRA.

Work-related asthma from cleaning agents versus other agents.

Cleaning agents have been commonly implicated as causative or triggering factors in work-related asthma (WRA), mainly from epidemiologic studies. Relatively few clinical series have been reported. We aimed to compare socio-demographic and clinical features among tertiary clinic patients with WRA exposed to cleaning and non-cleaning products. Analyses were conducted on a patient database containing 208 patients with probable WRA referred to the asthma and airway centre at a tertiary centre hospital in Canada from 2000 to 2014. Chi-squared and independent samples t-tests were used to analyse categorical and continuous data, respectively. Twenty-two (11%) WRA cases were attributed to a variety of cleaning product exposures, 12 were diagnosed as occupational asthma (OA) and 10 as work-exacerbated asthma (WEA) (10% of all OA and 11% of all WEA). There were multiple exposures and the responsible agent(s) could seldom be clearly identified. Most frequent categories of exposure were surfactants, alcohols, disinfectants and acids. Compared to WRA with other exposures, those with cleaning agent exposures had a significantly larger proportion of females (82 versus 35%, P < 0.001), included a higher percentage of workers in healthcare (41 versus 4%, P < 0.001), and submitted more workers' compensation claims (86 versus 64%, P = 0.05). Other characteristics were comparable. In a tertiary referral clinic, patients with WRA from cleaning agent exposure had clinical characteristics that were similar to those with WRA from other causes. Most frequent exposures were surfactants, alcohols, disinfectants and acids.

Work-related asthma in a sample of subjects with established asthma.

To assess the impact of occupational exposure to irritants or sensitizers on the occurrence, recrudescence and worsening of asthma and to identify unrecognized cases of work related asthma (WRA) including Work-Exacerbated Asthma (WEA) and Occupational Asthma (OA), in a general asthma clinic population sample. The study was a population-based cross sectional survey. 1289 asthmatic subjects (from 15 to 46yrs old) living in a vast district of Tuscany (Italy) were identified from the Medical Reimbursement Register of the National Health System. 893 subjects agreed to take part in the study. Subjects who were currently working or had worked in past were classified in different categories of occupational risk exposure (No, Low or High) according to the italian standard classification for industries and job titles, associated with the judgment of occupational hygiene experts. 41% of subjects worked in industries and in job titles at risk for exposure to airway irritants and/or sensitizers, 48.6% reported an occupational exposure to gases, dust and fumes, more males than females. Prevalence of WEA and OA was higher in subjects who worked at higher risk exposure; these subjects reported a higher prevalence of markers of asthma severity (asthma control, level of treatment, FEV1) than subjects without WRA. Risk of WEA was significantly associated to female gender, older age, and self-reported exposure, while risk of OA was associated to job title with higher exposure risk to occupational asthmogens. Our study shows a high prevalence of WRA (especially WEA) associated with employment in industries and job titles at risk for airways sensitizers and/or irritants; data also support a role for occupational exposure in determining a poor asthma control and a higher level of asthma severity.

Fragrances and work-related asthma–California surveillance data, 1993–2012

ABSTRACTObjective: Fragrance chemicals are used in a large array of products. Workers may be exposed to these chemicals in the workplace directly when used as air fresheners, or indirectly in personal care products used by coworkers or others. This study characterizes work-related asthma (WRA) cases associated with fragrance exposures in California workplaces from 1993 through 2012. Methods: We used the California Work-Related Asthma Prevention Program's surveillance database to identify individuals with physician-diagnosed WRA associated with the use of air fresheners and scented personal care products (perfumes, colognes, etc.). Cases were classified using previously published, standardized surveillance methods. Results: Perfume was the ninth most common exposure identified from 1993 through 2012. A total of 270 WRA cases associated with fragrance exposure were reported during this period, representing 3.8% of all confirmed cases. These 270 cases included 242 associated with perfume or cologne, 32 associated with air freshener, and 4 associated with both. Similar to non-fragrance cases, nearly a quarter of fragrance-associated cases were classified as new-onset asthma. Fragrance-associated cases were significantly more likely to be in office, health, and education jobs than non-fragrance-associated cases. When compared to non-fragrance cases, fragrance cases were significantly more likely to be female (94% vs 62%) and be classified as having work-aggravated asthma (38% vs 20%), yet had similar outcomes compared with cases associated with other exposures. Conclusions: Our surveillance data show that fragrance use in the workplace is associated with WRA. Prevention methods include employee education, enforced fragrance-free policies, well-designed ventilation systems, and good building maintenance.

Assessment of work-related Asthma cases: Our three-year experience.

Objective:Work-related asthma (WRA) is one of the most common occupational diseases. In this study, we aimed to review diagnosing procedures and the characteristics of patients who were diagnosed with WRA.Methods:Between November 2013 and June 2016; 214 patients were referred to our clinic with WRA suspicion by an occupational health specialist, personal visit, chest disease specialists [61 (28%), 51 (23%), and 102 (47%) respectively]. Occupational history, functional and radiological assessment, skin prick test, PEF monitoring were done.Results:Fifty-four patients (25%) were diagnosed with OA, and 24 (11%) with WEA, total 78 workers were diagnosed with WRA. Twenty-five (32.1%) had allergic rhinitis, 13 (16.7%) had allergic dermatitis, and 8 (10%) had both diseases.Conclusion:WRA can be seen in many areas. Complaints are the basic route for admission to physician, and the diagnosis can be delayed for a long time as one year. Lower rates of referral by occupational health physicians are the signs of limitations on management of cases. Non-specific BPT and skin prick test for selected cases would be sufficient besides occupational history and clinical examination for the diagnosis of WRA. PEF assessment, one of the most important tests for the diagnosis of WRA, must be performed.

Isocyanates and work-related asthma: Findings from California, Massachusetts, Michigan, and New Jersey, 1993-2008.

Isocyanates remain a leading cause of work-related asthma (WRA). Two independent data systems were analyzed for the period 1993-2008: (1) State-based WRA case surveillance data on persons with isocyanate-induced WRA from four states, and (2) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) isocyanate air sampling results. We identified 368 cases of isocyanate-induced WRA from 32 industries and 678 OSHA isocyanate air samples with detectable levels from 31 industries. Seventeen industries were unique to one or the other dataset. Isocyanate-induced WRA continues to occur in a wide variety of industries. Two data systems uncovered industries with isocyanate exposures and/or illness. Improved control measures and standards, including medical surveillance, are needed. More emphasis is needed on task-specific guidance, spill clean-up procedures, skin and respiratory protection, and targeted medical monitoring to mitigate the hazards of isocyanate use.

Importance of specific inhalation challenge in the diagnosis of occupational asthma induced by quaternary ammonium compounds

Importance of specific inhalation challenge in the diagnosis of occupational asthma induced by quaternary ammonium compounds

Work-Related Asthma in Korea - Findings from the Korea Work-Related Asthma Surveillance (KOWAS) program, 2004-2009.

PurposeTo determine the incidence and epidemiological characteristics of work-related asthma in Korea.MethodsDuring 2004-2009, the Korea Work-Related Asthma Surveillance (KOWAS) program collected data on new cases of work-related asthma from occupational physicians, allergy and chest physicians, regional surveillance systems, and workers' compensation schemes. The incidence was calculated on the basis of industry, occupation, sex, age, and region. In addition, the distribution of causal agents was determined.ResultsDuring the study period, 236 cases of work-related asthma were reported, with 77 cases from more than 1 source. A total of 22.0% (n=52) were reported by occupational physicians, 52.5% (n=124) by allergy and chest physicians, 24.2% (n=57) by regional surveillance systems, and 43.2% (n=102) by workers' compensation schemes. The overall average annual incidence was 3.31 cases/million workers, with a rate of 3.78/million among men and 2.58/million among women. The highest incidence was observed in the 50-59-year age group (7.74/million), in the Gyeonggi/Incheon suburb of Seoul (8.50/million), in the furniture and other instrument manufacturing industries (67.62/million), and among craft and related trades workers (17.75/million). The most common causal agents were isocyanates (46.6%), flour/grain (8.5%), metal (5.9%), reactive dyes (5.1%), and solvents (4.2%).ConclusionsThe incidence of work-related asthma in Korea was relatively low, and varied according to industry, occupation, gender, age, and region. Data provided by workers' compensation schemes and physician reports have been useful for determining the incidence and causes of work-related asthma.

Swimming facilities and work-related asthma

Background: Exposure to chlorinated water in swimming facilities may aggravate preexisting asthma or cause new onset asthma. This may be a particular problem for individuals who work and therefore spend prolonged time at swimming facilities. Chloramines formed by the interaction of chlorine-based disinfection products with the nitrogen in water from human sweat, urine and skin cells are the suspected causal agents. Methods: Cases were reviewed from the state surveillance systems in California (CA), Michigan (MI) and New Jersey (NJ) to identify individuals with confirmed work-related asthma (WRA) attributed to exposures in swimming pools, water parks or hydrotherapy spas. A standardized method was used to confirm cases. Results: A total of 44 confirmed cases of WRA were identified; 17 from 1994 to 2011 in CA, 15 from 1991 to 2012 in MI and 12 from 1990 to 2011 in NJ. A majority (52.2%) of the cases were new onset; 31.8% secondary to an acute exposure incident and 20.4% to repeated exposure. These represented 0.3–1.6% of all confirmed cases of WRA received during these time periods. Maintenance workers (34.9%) and lifeguards (31.8%) were the most common occupations. Conclusions: Swimming pool workers were identified from three states where the pool environment was either a trigger of preexisting asthma or associated with new onset of WRA. Regulations to require air monitoring and improvements in ventilation are recommended to reduce exposure levels of chloramines, the presumed etiologic agents. Clinical assessment of patients with asthma should include consideration of the effect on respiratory symptoms from exposures in a swimming pool environment.

Gender differences in work-related asthma: surveillance data from California, Massachusetts, Michigan, and New Jersey, 1993–2008

ABSTRACTObjective: To characterize work-related asthma by gender. Methods: We analyzed state-based sentinel surveillance data on confirmed work-related asthma cases collected from California, Massachusetts, Michigan, and New Jersey during 1993–2008. We used Chi-square and Fisher’s Exact Test statistics to compare select characteristics between females and males. Results: Of the 8239 confirmed work-related asthma cases, 60% were female. When compared to males with work-related asthma, females with work-related asthma were more likely to be identified through workers’ compensation (14.8% versus 10.6%) and less likely to be identified through hospital data (14.2% versus 16.9%). Moreover, when compared to males, females were more likely to have work-aggravated asthma (24.4% versus 13.5%) and less likely to have new-onset asthma (48.0% versus 56.5%). Females were also more likely than males with work-related asthma to work in healthcare and social assistance (28.7% versus 5.2%), educational services (11.8% versus 4.2%), and retail trade (5.0% versus 3.9%) industries and in office and administrative support (20.0% versus 4.0%), healthcare practitioners and technical (13.4% versus 1.6%), and education training and library (6.2% versus 1.3%) occupations. Agent groups most frequently associated with work-related asthma were miscellaneous chemicals (20.3%), cleaning materials (15.3%), and indoor air pollutants (14.9%) in females and miscellaneous chemicals (15.7%), mineral and inorganic dusts (13.2%), and pyrolysis products (12.7%) in males. Conclusions: Among adults with work-related asthma, males and females differ in terms of workplace exposures, occupations, and industries. Physicians should consider these gender differences when diagnosing and treating asthma in working adults.

Agents and trends in health care workers' occupational asthma

There is a disproportionately high number of cases of work-related asthma occurring in health care occupations due to agents such as glutaraldehyde, latex and cleaning products. To understand the causes and measure trends over time of occupational asthma (OA) in health care workers (HCWs). We reviewed OA notifications from the Midland Thoracic Society's Surveillance Scheme of Occupational Asthma (SHIELD) database in the West Midlands, UK, from 1991 to 2011 and gathered data on occupation, causative agent and annual number of notifications. There were 182 cases of OA in HCWs (median annual notifications = 7; interquartile range [IQR] = 5-11), representing 5-19% of annual SHIELD notifications. The modal annual notification was 20 (in 1996); notifications have declined since then, in line with total SHIELD notifications. The majority of cases (136; 75%) occurred in nursing, operating theatre, endoscopy and radiology staff. The most frequently implicated agents were glutaraldehyde (n = 69), latex (n = 47) and cleaning products (n = 27), accounting for 79% of the 182 cases. Cleaning product-related OA was an emerging cause with 22 cases after 2001 and only 5 cases between 1991 and 2000. Control measures within the UK National Health Service have seen a decline in OA in HCWs due to latex and glutaraldehyde, though OA remains a problem amongst HCWs exposed to cleaning products. Continuing efforts are required to limit the number of cases in this employment sector.

Direct Health Care Costs of Occupational Asthma in Spain: An Estimation From 2008

BackgroundOccupational asthma (OA) is the most common work-related disease in industrialised countries. In 2008, only 556 cases of OA had been diagnosed in Spain, which is quite far from even the most conservative estimates. In this context, the aim of this paper is to estimate the number of asthma cases attributable to the work setting in Spain in 2008 as well as the related health care costs for the same year. MethodsThe number of cases of OA was calculated from estimates of attributable risk given by previous studies. The cost estimation focused on direct health-care costs and it was based both on data from the National Health System's (NHS) analytical accounting and from secondary sources. ResultsThe number of prevalent cases of work-related asthma in Spain during 2008 ranges between 168713 and 204705 cases based on symptomatic diagnosis, entailing an associated cost from 318.1 to 355.8 million Euros. These figures fall to a range between 82635 and 100264 cases when bronchial hyperreactivity is included as a diagnostic criterion, at a cost of 155.8–174.3 million Euros. Slightly more than 18 million Euros represent the health-care costs of those cases requiring specialised care. ConclusionsEstimations of OA are very relevant to adequately prevent this disease. The treatment of OA, which involves a significant cost, is being financed by the NHS, although it should be covered by Social Security.

Costes sanitarios directos del asma de origen laboral en España: una estimación para el año 2008

BackgroundOccupational asthma is the most common work-related disease in industrialized countries. In 2008, only 556 cases of occupational asthma had been diagnosed in Spain, which is quite far from even the most conservative estimates. In this context, the aim of this paper is to estimate the number of asthma cases attributable to the work setting in Spain in 2008 as well as the related health care costs for the same year. MethodsThe number of cases of occupational asthma was calculated from estimates of attributable risk given by previous studies. The cost estimation focused on direct health-care costs and it was based both on data from the National Health System's (NHS) analytical accounting and from secondary sources. ResultsThe number of prevalent cases of work-related asthma in Spain during 2008 ranges between 168,713 and 204,705 cases based on symptomatic diagnosis, entailing an associated cost from 318.1 to 355.8 million Euros. These figures fall to a range between 82,635 and 100,264 cases when bronchial hyperreactivity is included as a diagnostic criterion, at a cost of 155.8 to 174.3 million Euros. Slightly more than 18 million Euros represent the health-care costs of those cases requiring specialized care. ConclusionsEstimations of occupational asthma are very relevant to adequately prevent this disease. The treatment of occupational asthma, which involves a significant cost, is being financed by the NHS, although it should be covered by Social Security.

Work-related asthma in France: recent trends for the period 2001–2009

ObjectiveKnowledge on the time-course (trends) of work-related asthma (WRA) remains sparse. The aim of this study was to describe WRA trends in terms of industrial activities and the main causal...

Work-Related Asthma in Washington State

Objective. Asthma is a common and costly public health problem. Occupational exposures contribute to the burden of asthma. Identifying workplace exposures and industries and occupations at risk can lead to more effective prevention measures. Methods. Data from Washington State’s work-related asthma (WRA) surveillance program from October 2001 to December 2008 were analyzed. Workers’ compensation records, physician reports, and telephone interviews were used to describe the occurrence of WRA during this time, in order to identify contributing exposure sources and industries and occupations that are associated with WRA in Washington. Results. There were 1343 identified WRA cases in Washington State during this time. Of these, 1285 were workers’ compensation claims, with a total medical cost for State Fund claims of approximately $3 million dollars. The top three sources identified were miscellaneous chemicals and materials, mineral and inorganic dusts, and plant material. Plant material claims proved to be widespread throughout various industries, were largely classified as new-onset asthma cases, and had higher median medical cost and higher median time loss days than cases associated with other exposure sources. Conclusions. Washington State has an abundance of plant-material-related WRA cases among US states conducting WRA surveillance. Washington State’s industry mix might explain the higher prevalence of cases, particularly its logging and wood processing industries and as a world leader in hops production. In Washington, further WRA prevention efforts should emphasize workplaces working with plant materials.