Work-related asthma in the spray-on truck bed lining industry.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this study was to identify work-related asthma (WRA) workers' compensation claims associated with methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) exposure in the spray-on truck bed lining industry and estimate the asthma incidence rate in this industry.

METHODS:

The authors conducted a descriptive study of workers' compensation claims meeting an established surveillance case definition for WRA.

RESULTS:

Eight WRA workers' compensation claims were identified in the truck bed lining industry in Washington State for a claims incidence rate of 200 per 10,000 full-time equivalent. The medical evaluation of the cases was inadequate because none of the truck bed lining cases had medical testing to objectively link their asthma to the workplace.

CONCLUSIONS:

The rate of work-related asthma in the truck bed lining industry is excessive and suggests a need for significant intervention, including improvements in the clinical assessment provided to MDI-exposed workers.

• Authors: David K Bonauto, Austin D Sumner, Christy C Curwick, Stephen G Whittaker, Don J Lofgren
• Journal: Journal of occupational and environmental medicine (J Occup Environ Med) Vol. 47 Issue 5 Pg. 514-7 (May 2005) ISSN: 1076-2752 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15891530 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Toluene 2,4-Diisocyanate

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Asthma (diagnosis, economics, epidemiology)
• Automobiles (statistics & numerical data)
• Humans
• Incidence
• Male
• Occupational Diseases (diagnosis, economics, epidemiology)
• Occupational Exposure (adverse effects)
• Respiratory Function Tests
• Toluene 2,4-Diisocyanate (adverse effects)
• Washington (epidemiology)
• Workers' Compensation (statistics & numerical data)