Premium
Work‐related asthma among health care workers: Surveillance data from California, Massachusetts, Michigan, and New Jersey, 1993–1997
Author(s) -
Pechter Elise,
Davis Letitia K.,
Tumpowsky Catharine,
Flattery Jennifer,
Harrison Robert,
Reinisch Florence,
Reilly Mary Jo,
Rosenman Kenneth D.,
Schill Donald P.,
Valiante David,
Filios Margaret
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/ajim.20138
Subject(s) - medicine , asthma , gerontology , environmental health , occupational asthma , family medicine , occupational exposure , immunology
Background Asthma morbidity has increased, posing a public health burden. Work‐related asthma (WRA) accounts for a significant proportion of adult asthma that causes serious personal and economic consequences. Methods Cases were identified using physician reports and hospital discharge data, as part of four state‐based surveillance systems. We used structured interviews to confirm cases and identify occupations and exposures associated with WRA. Results Health care workers (HCWs) accounted for 16% (n = 305) of the 1,879 confirmed WRA cases, but only 8% of the states' workforce. Cases primarily were employed in hospitals and were nurses. The most commonly reported exposures were cleaning products, latex, and poor air quality. Conclusions Health care workers are at risk for work‐related asthma. Health care providers need to recognize this risk of WRA, as early diagnosis will decrease the morbidity associated with WRA. Careful product purchasing and facility maintenance by health care institutions will decrease the risk. Am. J. Ind. Med. 47:265–275, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.