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. 2001 Jan;39(1):72-83.
doi: 10.1002/1097-0274(200101)39:1<72::aid-ajim7>3.0.co;2-0.

Physician reports of work-related asthma in California, 1993-1996

F Reinisch  1 , R J Harrison, S Cussler, M Athanasoulis, J Balmes, P Blanc, J Cone
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Physician reports of work-related asthma in California, 1993-1996

F Reinisch et al. Am J Ind Med. 2001 Jan.

Abstract

Background: Work-related asthma is a leading cause of occupational respiratory illness.

Methods: Work-related asthma was studied in California over a 36-month period, from March 1, 1993 to February 29, 1996. The surveillance system identified cases from Doctor's First Reports (DFRs), a mandated physician reporting system. Structured follow-up telephone interviews of DFR asthma cases were conducted to collect work history, exposure, and medical information. Statewide employment data was used to calculate disease rates among industry groups.

Results: Based on 945 cases of work-related asthma, the average annual reporting rate for work-related asthma in California was 25/million workers. We estimate that the actual rate is 78/million, adjusted for likely underreporting. Janitors and cleaners (625/million) and firefighters (300/million) had the highest reporting rates of work-related asthma. Half of all work-related asthma cases were associated with agents not known to be allergens.

Conclusions: A greater proportion of work-related asthma associated with irritant exposures was identified than has previously been reported. The surveillance data provide a very conservative estimate of the incidence of work-related asthma.

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