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NIOSH Safety and Health Topic:Asthma and Allergies |
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NIOSH Leads Research on Workplace Exacerbation of AsthmaFebruary 1, 2007Prepared by Paul K. Henneberger, ScD FSB, DRDS, NIOSH A 2003 statement of the American Thoracic Society (ATS) included the observation that asthma exacerbated by conditions at work was likely to be responsible for as much illness and loss of productivity as asthma caused by work. However, workplace exacerbation of asthma (WEA) had received little attention from clinicians, researchers, and public health officials. More research on the frequency and causes of WEA was needed to guide preventive actions. Dr. Paul Henneberger and others in the Respiratory Disease Research Program (RDRP) at NIOSH recognized this need several years ago and took action. Initially, they conducted descriptive studies of WEA by collaborating with research institutions in Maine and Colorado, and by summarizing data collected by NIOSH-supported SENSOR surveillance programs in California, Massachusetts, Michigan, and New Jersey. Then, they successfully competed for National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) funds that supported a 5-year study of WEA. This NORA research project also benefited from additional financial support from the National Center for Environmental Health. As of January 2007, the RDRP has produced more publications on WEA than any other research center in the world, with 6 articles in peer-reviewed journals and a book chapter (see below). The findings from several of these articles indicate that WEA is common, occurring in approximately one-fourth of working adults with asthma. Also, WEA cases experience many of the same adverse health consequences as individuals with asthma caused by work. Additional research is needed to understand and prevent WEA. RDRP staff members are currently preparing manuscripts that examine quality of life and cost of care associated with WEA. Dr. Paul Henneberger chairs the ATS Work-Exacerbated Asthma Committee that is developing an official ATS statement on this topic. Looking to the future, RDRP researchers are talking with partners about a possible international collaborative study and the development of preventive strategies. NIOSH Publications on Workplace Exacerbation of Asthma
Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals doi:10.1136/oem.2006.028662.
Book Chapter
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