Abstract
Background: National estimates of occupational asthma (OA) in the United States are sparse. Methods: Using data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) 1988-1994, we analyzed associations between occupation and work-related asthma and work-related wheezing among U.S. workers. Results: This study identified several occupations that were at risk of developing work-related asthma and/or wheezing, with cleaners and equipment cleaners showing the highest risks. Other major occupations identified were farm and agriculture; entertainment; protective services; construction; mechanics and repairers; textile; fabricators and assemblers; other transportation and material moving occupations; freight, stock, and material movers; and motor vehicle operators. The population attributable risks for work-related asthma and work-related wheezing were 26% and 27%, respectively. Conclusions: This study adds evidence to the literature that identifies work-related asthma as an important public health problem. Several occupations are targeted for additional evaluation and study. Of particular interest are cleaners, which are being increasingly reported as a risk group for asthma. Future intervention strategies need to be developed for effective control and prevention of asthma in the workplace.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 368-376 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | American Journal of Industrial Medicine |
Volume | 44 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 1 2003 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Adult asthma
- Asthma
- Epidemiology
- NHANES III
- Occupational asthma
- Occupations
- Work-related asthma
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health