Allergens causing occupational asthma: an evidence-based evaluation of the literature

Abstract

This work comprises the largest list of occupational agents and worksites causing allergic asthma. For the first time, these agents are assessed in an evidence-based manner. The identified respiratory allergic agents or worksites with at least moderate evidence for causing work-related asthma may help primary care physicians and occupational physicians in diagnostics and management of cases suffering from work-related asthma. Furthermore, this work may possibly provide a major contribution to prevention and may also initiate more detailed investigations for broadening and updating these evidence-based evaluations.

Papain-induced occupational rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma – A case report

“…In a recent review by Baur and Bakehe, over 100 allergic asthma cases due to papain were summarized [4]. In our case, the clinical history suggested occupational respiratory allergy.…”

Occupational asthma in maritime environments: an update

“…We suggest you to read the paper published in 2006 and the exhaustive review, which was recently published by Baur and Bakehe [7] on other allergens causing OA and irritant-induced OA.…”

“…Occupational asthma from formaldehyde has been reported in industry and laboratory work as well as in port workers and seafarers, e.g. the manufacture of fish meal requires the use of formaldehyde, which may spread to the work environment and the surroundings [7].…”

“…The paints may contain high concentration of copper or lower concentrations of zinc or aluminium as well as chlorothalonil [68] for fungicidal and algicidal actions. Isocyanates, epoxy resins and other resins are also used in coating paints [7].…”

“…Occupational asthma can be immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated, have an unknown pathophysiological mechanism or be irritant OA which again consists of reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS), not-so-sudden onset asthma, or low-dose irritant asthma [7].…”