ABSTRACT
Asthma can be caused or worsened by exposure to agents present in the workplace, Several interesting population-based studies have ascertained
the frequency of symptomatic worsening of asthma and/or of asthma
caused by the workplace, without distinguishing between the two entities.
A community survey conducted in 12 industrialized countries and including
more than 15,000 people aged 20-44 years showed that 5-10% of adultonset asthma could be attributed to the workplace (1). A meta-analysis
quotes similar figures (2). This does notprove that the workplace causes
or exacerbates asthma. Confirmation should be obtained by objective testing and monitoring.
