ABSTRACT
The increase in the frequency of OA among work-related lung diseases recognized by workmen’s compensation boards in Europe and North America occurred over a period (19701990) when the prevalence, and probably the incidence, of asthma in the general population, particularly in children, had also been increasing, with a plateau being observed afterwards in some countries. While environmental factors, particularly those associated with a “westernized” lifestyle, have been implicated (3), support continues to grow for the view that societies are also becoming more susceptible (4). If so, this may also have contributed to the increasing rates of OA among work-related lung diseases in these societies.
