ABSTRACT
The authors of this chapter first present definitions of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention. As regards primary prevention, the concept of “structure-activity relationship” is first discussed as well as the exposure control options in the workplace. The strategy for examining the introduction of new agents and supervision of existing agents at the workplace is proposed. The role of respiratory protective equipment and exposure standards are then discussed. Secondary prevention includes: identification of high-risk workers, medical surveillance, and educational programs. The medical surveillance methodology is based on type, nature, and frequency of testing. It includes the use of questionnaire, functional, and immunological tests proposed in a hierarchical order and with “predictive models.” Results of secondary prevention studies are listed and the effectiveness of preventive measures for different occupational agents is commented. Tertiary prevention includes removal/reduction of exposure as well as use of anti-inflammatory medication. From the public health perspective, continuous surveillance of data relevant to occupational asthma is essential for development of preventive public health strategies. This includes the systematic collection of data on incidence and causes of disease.
