Agents causing occupational asthma

J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2009 Mar;123(3):545-50. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2008.09.010. Epub 2008 Oct 25.

Abstract

The workplace is a significant contributor to the burden of asthma. Although the majority of cases probably represent what is labeled work-exacerbated asthma, in a significant number of subjects, asthma is actually caused by 1 or more agents present in the workplace; this is occupational asthma. Two types of occupational asthma are distinguished, according to whether the asthma appears after a latency period. This article discusses (1) two types of agents causing asthma with a latency period and acting through an apparently immunologic mechanism (high-molecular-weight agents and low-molecular-weight agents) and (2) agents causing asthma without a latency period.

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants, Occupational / immunology*
  • Allergens / immunology*
  • Asthma / etiology*
  • Asthma / immunology
  • Humans
  • Occupational Diseases / etiology*
  • Occupational Diseases / immunology
  • Occupational Exposure
  • Workplace

Substances

  • Air Pollutants, Occupational
  • Allergens