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Coureau E, Fontana L, Lamouroux C, Pélissier C, Charbotel B. Is Isocyanate Exposure and Occupational Asthma Still a Major Occupational Health Concern? Systematic Literature Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182413181. [PMID: 34948791 PMCID: PMC8706635 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182413181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Isocyanate, whose disease-inducing mechanism is poorly understood, with poor prognosis, is widely used. Asthma is the most frequent manifestation of prolonged exposure. We assessed the evolution of the incidence of isocyanate-induced occupational asthma over time. PubMed and Cochrane databases were systematically searched for studies published since 1990 that assessed the relationship between occupational exposure to isocyanates and asthma. We identified 39 studies: five retrospective cohort studies, seven prospective cohort studies, three of which were inception cohorts), seven observational cross-sectional studies, five literature reviews, two case series, and 13 registry studies. The incidence of occupational asthma secondary to isocyanate exposure has decreased from more than 5% in the early 1990s to 0.9% in 2017 in the United States. Despite the wide use of optimal collective and individual protection measures, the risk of occupational asthma has stabilized. Occupational asthma risk can be assessed with good sensitivity using self-questionnaires and pulmonary function tests. Occupational avoidance should be implemented as soon as possible after the first symptoms appear because the prognosis becomes increasingly poor with the persistence of exposure. It is now necessary to study specifically cutaneous sensitization to isocyanates and to define what protective equipment is effective against this mode of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elie Coureau
- UMRESTTE, UMR T 9405, Université Lyon 1, Université Gustave Eiffel—IFSTTAR, Domaine Rockefeller, 8 Avenue Rockefeller, 69008 Lyon, France; (E.C.); (C.L.)
- CRPPE-Lyon, Centre Régional de Pathologies Professionnelles et Environnementales de Lyon, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Pierre Bénite, France
| | - Luc Fontana
- Hospital University Center of Saint-Etienne, Université Lyon 1, Université de St Etienne, IFSTTAR, UMRESTTE, UMR T 9405, 42005 Saint-Etienne, France; (L.F.); (C.P.)
- Service de Santé au Travail, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint-Etienne, 42005 Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Céline Lamouroux
- UMRESTTE, UMR T 9405, Université Lyon 1, Université Gustave Eiffel—IFSTTAR, Domaine Rockefeller, 8 Avenue Rockefeller, 69008 Lyon, France; (E.C.); (C.L.)
- CRPPE-Lyon, Centre Régional de Pathologies Professionnelles et Environnementales de Lyon, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Pierre Bénite, France
| | - Carole Pélissier
- Hospital University Center of Saint-Etienne, Université Lyon 1, Université de St Etienne, IFSTTAR, UMRESTTE, UMR T 9405, 42005 Saint-Etienne, France; (L.F.); (C.P.)
- Service de Santé au Travail, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint-Etienne, 42005 Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Barbara Charbotel
- UMRESTTE, UMR T 9405, Université Lyon 1, Université Gustave Eiffel—IFSTTAR, Domaine Rockefeller, 8 Avenue Rockefeller, 69008 Lyon, France; (E.C.); (C.L.)
- CRPPE-Lyon, Centre Régional de Pathologies Professionnelles et Environnementales de Lyon, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Pierre Bénite, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-4-78-77-28-09
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Reeb-Whitaker C, LaSee CR, Bonauto DK. Surveillance of work-related asthma including the emergence of a cannabis-associated case series in Washington State. J Asthma 2021; 59:1537-1547. [PMID: 34288786 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2021.1955379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Reeb-Whitaker
- Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention (SHARP) Program, Olympia, WA, USA
| | - Claire R LaSee
- Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention (SHARP) Program, Olympia, WA, USA
| | - David K Bonauto
- Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention (SHARP) Program, Olympia, WA, USA
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Seed MJ, Carder M, Gittins M, Sen D, Money A, Fishwick D, Barber CM, van Tongeren M. Emerging trends in the UK incidence of occupational asthma: should we be worried? Occup Environ Med 2019; 76:396-397. [PMID: 30936407 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2018-105414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
While 15% of adult-onset asthma is estimated to have an occupational cause, there has been evidence of a downward trend in occupational asthma incidence in several European countries since the start of this millennium. However, recent data from The Health and Occupation Reporting network in the UK have suggested a possible reversal of this downward trend since 2014. We present these data and discuss possible explanations for this observed change in incidence trend. A high index of suspicion of occupational causation in new-onset asthma cases continues to be important, whether or not the recently observed increase in occupational asthma incidence in the UK is real or artefactual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin J Seed
- The University of Manchester, Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, Manchester, UK
| | - Melanie Carder
- The University of Manchester, Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, Manchester, UK
| | - Matthew Gittins
- The University of Manchester, Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, Manchester, UK
| | - Dil Sen
- The University of Manchester, Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, Manchester, UK
| | - Annemarie Money
- The University of Manchester, Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, Manchester, UK
| | - David Fishwick
- Health and Safety Laboratory, Centre for Workplace Health, Harpur Hill, Buxton, UK
| | - Chris M Barber
- Health and Safety Laboratory, Centre for Workplace Health, Harpur Hill, Buxton, UK
| | - Martie van Tongeren
- The University of Manchester, Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, Manchester, UK
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LaSee CR, Reeb-Whitaker CK. Work-related asthma surveillance in Washington State: time trends, industry rates, and workers' compensation costs, 2002-2016. J Asthma 2019; 57:421-430. [PMID: 30701998 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2019.1571084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire R LaSee
- Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention (SHARP), Olympia, Washington, USA
| | - Carolyn K Reeb-Whitaker
- Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention (SHARP), Olympia, Washington, USA
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Shaffo FC, Grodzki AC, Fryer AD, Lein PJ. Mechanisms of organophosphorus pesticide toxicity in the context of airway hyperreactivity and asthma. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2018; 315:L485-L501. [PMID: 29952220 PMCID: PMC6230874 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00211.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous epidemiologic studies have identified an association between occupational exposures to organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) and asthma or asthmatic symptoms in adults. Emerging epidemiologic data suggest that environmentally relevant levels of OPs may also be linked to respiratory dysfunction in the general population and that in utero and/or early life exposures to environmental OPs may increase risk for childhood asthma. In support of a causal link between OPs and asthma, experimental evidence demonstrates that occupationally and environmentally relevant OP exposures induce bronchospasm and airway hyperreactivity in preclinical models. Mechanistic studies have identified blockade of autoinhibitory M2 muscarinic receptors on parasympathetic nerves that innervate airway smooth muscle as one mechanism by which OPs induce airway hyperreactivity, but significant questions remain regarding the mechanism(s) by which OPs cause neuronal M2 receptor dysfunction and, more generally, how OPs cause persistent asthma, especially after developmental exposures. The goals of this review are to 1) summarize current understanding of OPs in asthma; 2) discuss mechanisms of OP neurotoxicity and immunotoxicity that warrant consideration in the context of OP-induced airway hyperreactivity and asthma, specifically, inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, neural plasticity, and neurogenic inflammation; and 3) identify critical data gaps that need to be addressed in order to better protect adults and children against the harmful respiratory effects of low-level OP exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances C Shaffo
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California , Davis, California
| | - Ana Cristina Grodzki
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California , Davis, California
| | - Allison D Fryer
- Pulmonary Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University , Portland, Oregon
| | - Pamela J Lein
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California , Davis, California
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Stocks SJ, Bensefa-Colas L, Berk SF. Worldwide trends in incidence in occupational allergy and asthma. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2016; 16:113-9. [PMID: 26844753 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0000000000000249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Recent improvements in the methods for analyzing trends in occupational health surveillance and the prospect of future improvements in the collecting and sharing of electronic data alongside increasing availability of linked datasets make this a good time to review the existing literature on trends in occupational allergy and asthma (OAA). RECENT FINDINGS There is a notable lack of reports of recent trends in OAA in the academic literature and much of the published work comes from European countries. The incidence of OAA appears to be declining based on physician-reporting or recognized compensation claims for the countries with published data. However, we need to be cautious in interpreting this as a decline in the 'true' incidence of OAA. Few of the studies adjusted appropriately for changes in the population at risk and one of the most robust study designs showed no change in the incidence of allergic contact dermatitis in contrast to the other studies. SUMMARY Many existing datasets have the potential to be used to examine trends, and studies from Canada show the potential of using linked databases for surveillance. We hope that this review will encourage improvements in the analysis, and more dissemination, of trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan J Stocks
- aNIHR Greater Manchester Primary Care Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Centre for Primary Care, Institute of Population Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK bOccupational Diseases Department, University Hospital of Centre of Paris HOTEL-DIEU, AP-HP cParis Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratoire Santé, Publique et Environnement, Paris, France dCollege of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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Quinot C, Dumas O, Henneberger PK, Varraso R, Wiley AS, Speizer FE, Goldberg M, Zock JP, Camargo CA, Le Moual N. Development of a job-task-exposure matrix to assess occupational exposure to disinfectants among US nurses. Occup Environ Med 2016; 74:130-137. [PMID: 27566782 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2016-103606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Revised: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Occupational exposure to disinfectants is associated with work-related asthma, especially in healthcare workers. However, little is known about the specific products involved. To evaluate disinfectant exposures, we designed job-exposure (JEM) and job-task-exposure (JTEM) matrices, which are thought to be less prone to differential misclassification bias than self-reported exposure. We then compared the three assessment methods: self-reported exposure, JEM and JTEM. METHODS Disinfectant use was assessed by an occupational questionnaire in 9073 US female registered nurses without asthma, aged 49-68 years, drawn from the Nurses' Health Study II. A JEM was created based on self-reported frequency of use (1-3, 4-7 days/week) of 7 disinfectants and sprays in 8 nursing jobs. We then created a JTEM combining jobs and disinfection tasks to further reduce misclassification. Exposure was evaluated in 3 classes (low, medium, high) using product-specific cut-offs (eg, <30%, 30-49.9%, ≥50%, respectively, for alcohol); the cut-offs were defined from the distribution of self-reported exposure per job/task. RESULTS The most frequently reported disinfectants were alcohol (weekly use: 39%), bleach (22%) and sprays (20%). More nurses were classified as highly exposed by JTEM (alcohol 41%, sprays 41%, bleach 34%) than by JEM (21%, 30%, 26%, respectively). Agreement between JEM and JTEM was fair-to-moderate (κ 0.3-0.5) for most disinfectants. JEM and JTEM exposure estimates were heterogeneous in most nursing jobs, except in emergency room and education/administration. CONCLUSIONS The JTEM may provide more accurate estimates than the JEM, especially for nursing jobs with heterogeneous tasks. Use of the JTEM is likely to reduce exposure misclassification.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Quinot
- INSERM, U1168, VIMA: Aging and Chronic Diseases. Epidemiological and Public Health Approaches, F-94807, Villejuif, France.,Univ Versailles St-Quentin-en-Yvelines, UMR-S 1168, F-78180, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | - O Dumas
- INSERM, U1168, VIMA: Aging and Chronic Diseases. Epidemiological and Public Health Approaches, F-94807, Villejuif, France.,Univ Versailles St-Quentin-en-Yvelines, UMR-S 1168, F-78180, Montigny le Bretonneux, France.,Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - P K Henneberger
- Division of Respiratory Disease Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - R Varraso
- INSERM, U1168, VIMA: Aging and Chronic Diseases. Epidemiological and Public Health Approaches, F-94807, Villejuif, France.,Univ Versailles St-Quentin-en-Yvelines, UMR-S 1168, F-78180, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | - A S Wiley
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - F E Speizer
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - M Goldberg
- INSERM, U1168, VIMA: Aging and Chronic Diseases. Epidemiological and Public Health Approaches, F-94807, Villejuif, France.,Univ Versailles St-Quentin-en-Yvelines, UMR-S 1168, F-78180, Montigny le Bretonneux, France.,INSERM-UVSQ, UMS 011, Villejuif, France
| | - J P Zock
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL), Utrecht, The Netherlands.,ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - C A Camargo
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - N Le Moual
- INSERM, U1168, VIMA: Aging and Chronic Diseases. Epidemiological and Public Health Approaches, F-94807, Villejuif, France.,Univ Versailles St-Quentin-en-Yvelines, UMR-S 1168, F-78180, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
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