Occupational asthma in Finland

Abstract

In Finland occupational asthma caused by protein allergens and reactive chemicals present in the air of work environments is increasing. Provocative challenge tests and methods for measuring exposure under simulated work conditions were described. The importance of lung function measurements during non-exposure and placebo periods was stressed. Late reactions were especially difficult to assess because of the great circadian variation in the lung function parameters of asthmatics. For a positive challenge test, a decrease in peak flow values of at least 15% and a clear deviation from normal circadian variation and placebo periods was required. The allergens of vegetable or animal origin primarily affected patients with an atopic constitution. Chemical allergens seemed to attack all exposed workers in the same way. The occupations with risk for asthma were listed and the population at risk was defined. Bakers seemed to be the group with the most risk. The importance of early diagnosis, removal of the worker from exposure and improvement of the hygienic aspects of the work environment were stressed.