Work-related asthma among health care workers: Surveillance data from California, Massachusetts, Michigan, and New Jersey, 1993-1997

Pechter, Elise; Davis, Leonard G.; Tumpowsky, Catharine; Flattery, Jennifer; Harrison, Robert J.; Reinisch, F.; Reilly, Mary Jo; Rosenman, Kenneth D.; Schill, Donald P.; Valiante, David; Filios, Margaret S.

doi:10.1002/ajim.20138

Cited by 83 publications

(80 citation statements)

References 65 publications

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“…There has been less evidence of such an association when HCWs themselves engage in general cleaning tasks. In a recent registry study, the most commonly reported exposure linked to asthma among HCWs were cleaning products, which accounted for 24% of all cases, including 21% of the cases reported among nurses (6). Both general (e.g., bleach, ammonia) and more specific (e.g., quaternary ammonium compounds) cleaning products have been linked to occupational asthma (31).…”

Section: Univariate Analysis Between Independent Variables As Assessmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Many have noticeably strong odors; some are solvents and may be linked more to transient respiratory symptoms than actual asthma. In a study by Pechter and colleagues, exposure to solvents accounted for 7% of reported work-related asthma; 29% of "aides/therapists" with asthma identified miscellaneous chemicals (including glues and solvents) associated with their asthma (6). At present, though, evidence of a causal link should be considered speculative.…”

Section: Partial Listing Of Products and Chemicals Used For Instrumenmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, potential asthmagens in health care settings go beyond latex, and may include disinfectants and sterilants (e.g., glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde), pharmaceuticals (e.g., psyllium, antibiotics), sensitizing metals (e.g., in dental alloys), methacrylates, irritant aerosolized medications (e.g., pentamidine and ribavirin), and cleaning products (5,6).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Data from the 2001 National Health Interview Survey did find significantly increased odds for physician-diagnosed asthma in the U.S. health care industry, but this excess was limited to white females (12). More recently, surveillance data from four U.S. states found that workrelated asthma among HCWs represented 16% of total reported cases, exceeding their representation in the workforce (8%) (6). Interestingly, the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reported that 5 of the top 11 industries and 9 of the 22 leading occupations associated with significantly increased asthma mortality were related to health care services (13).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Occupational Risk Factors and Asthma among Health Care Professionals

Delclos

Gimeno

Arif

et al. 2007

Am J Respir Crit Care Med

133

172

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Rationale: Recent U.S. data suggest an increased risk of work-related asthma among health care workers, yet only a few specific determinants have been elucidated. Objectives: To evaluate associations of asthma prevalence with occupational exposures in a cross-sectional survey of health care professionals. Methods: A detailed questionnaire was mailed to a random sample (n ϭ 5,600) of all Texas physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and occupational therapists with active licenses in 2003. Information on asthma symptoms and nonoccupational asthma risk factors obtained from the questionnaire was linked to occupational exposures derived through an industry-specific job-exposure matrix. Measurements: There were two a priori defined outcomes: (1 ) physiciandiagnosed asthma with onset after entry into health care ("reported asthma") and (2 ) "bronchial hyperresponsiveness-related symptoms," defined through an 8-item symptom-based predictor. Conclusions:The contribution of occupational exposures to asthma in health care professionals is not trivial, meriting both implementation of appropriate controls and further study.

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Section: Univariate Analysis Between Independent Variables As Assessmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Partial Listing Of Products and Chemicals Used For Instrumenmentioning

confidence: 99%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Occupational Risk Factors and Asthma among Health Care Professionals

Delclos

Gimeno

Arif

et al. 2007

Am J Respir Crit Care Med

133

172

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…[31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41] Of 1,915 people with WRA identified in four states from 1993 to 1997, 12% reported an association between their symptoms and exposure to cleaning products. 38 Cleaning products were also the leading exposures reported by workers with reactive airway dysfunction syndrome (RADS).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Reducing Hazardous Cleaning Product Use: A Collaborative Effort

et al. 2009

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Workplace hazards affecting vulnerable populations of low-wage and immigrant workers present a special challenge to the practice of occupational health. Unions, Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health (COSH) groups, and other organizations have developed worker-led approaches to promoting safety. Public health practitioners can provide support for these efforts. This article describes a successful multiyear project led by immigrant cleaning workers with their union, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 615, and with support from the Massachusetts COSH (MassCOSH) to address exposure to hazardous chemicals. After the union had identified key issues and built a strategy, the union and MassCOSH invited staff from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Occupational Health Surveillance Program (OHSP) to provide technical information about health effects and preventive measures. Results included eliminating the most hazardous chemicals, reducing the number of products used, banning mixing products, and improving safety training. OHSP's history of public health practice regarding cleaning products enabled staff to respond promptly. MassCOSH's staff expertise and commitment to immigrant workers allowed it to play a vital role.

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Immunotoxicology in Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Exposures

2023

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Immunotoxicology is the study of drugs and chemicals that produce adverse effects on the immune system. Adverse immune effects include suppression, leading to compromised ability to fight infections, or enhancement, which could be involved in hypersensitivity (allergy) or autoimmunity. It has been appreciated for hundreds of years that diseases are associated with various occupations, such as respiratory diseases in those working with grains, coal, metals, or animals. We now understand that many of these occupational diseases are the result of an unregulated immune response to a specific agent. Similarly, occupational exposures to various chemicals can produce dermatitis, again due in part to unregulated immune responses in the skin. Additionally, occupational chemical exposures have been demonstrated to induce immune suppression. This chapter provides an overview of the immune system, a synopsis of standard assays to evaluate immunotoxic potential of occupational chemicals, and descriptions of effects of several occupational immunotoxicants with a focus on human exposures and doses. Consideration is given to current data gaps and potential use of novel technologies to more precisely define effects and mechanisms of occupational immunotoxicants.

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Work-related asthma among health care workers: Surveillance data from California, Massachusetts, Michigan, and New Jersey, 1993-1997

Abstract: 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.

Cited by 83 publications

References 65 publications

Occupational Risk Factors and Asthma among Health Care Professionals

Occupational Risk Factors and Asthma among Health Care Professionals

Reducing Hazardous Cleaning Product Use: A Collaborative Effort

Immunotoxicology in Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Exposures

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