Prevention of irritant-induced asthma in industry
Objectives
Irritant-induced asthma is caused by corrosive acids and bases and by highly oxidizing substances. Irritant-induced asthma may develop through accidental exposure or as a result of repeated substantial exposure. Based on our previous studies, the clinical picture and prognosis of irritant-induced asthma are poor. In addition, the causes of irritant-induced asthma may impair the management of asthma and cause other symptoms.
Finland has a great deal of industry in which large amounts of corrosive or oxidizing chemicals are handled and highly irritating process emissions are produced. In Finland, irritant-induced asthmas have developed especially in the metal, chemical, mining, paper and pulp industries. The most common causes have been sulphuric and other acids, ammonium, hydrogen peroxide, and gases containing sulphur or chlorine. In previous studies, we have also found that the possibility of irritant-induced asthma has been poorly identified in many industrial workplaces that use highly irritating chemicals.
High-risk sectors and their occupational healthcare need information on exposure to irritants and preventing it. The information supports the assessment and management of risks in companies and helps prevent irritant-induced asthma and respiratory symptoms. By learning about variations in the concentration of highly irritating substances, we can also develop strategies for assessing exposure and target control measures at the phases in which the exposure is highest.
The objectives of the study are
- To prevent the development of irritant-induced asthma and to promote the ability of patients with respiratory diseases to work in industry.
- To increase information on exposure to highly irritating substances, the variations in their concentration and the prevalence of symptoms of respiratory diseases in high-risk sectors.
- To promote risk management at workplaces and cooperation between occupational healthcare and workplaces as well as to develop the assessment of exposure to highly irritating substances.
Data and methods
The study includes:
- a literature review of exposure to irritants, and the planning of workplace reports and surveys
- retrospective analysis of data on occupational hygiene measurements of irritating substances from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health
- measurements of highly irritating substances in 11 Finnish industrial workplaces
- an online questionnaire targeted at industrial workplaces and their workers.
Results and impact
The target audiences of the project are workplaces in which highly irritant substances are handled, their employees, occupational safety and health organizations, and occupational healthcare.
We prepare guidelines for workplaces to help them with the assessment and management of risks and supporting the work ability of employees with respiratory symptoms.
Katri Suuronen
Project Manager, Senior Specialist
Research group
Katriina Ylinen
Tapani Tuomi
Tuula Liukkonen
Irmeli Lindström
Jussi Lantto
Talvikki Susiluoma
Iita Pylkkänen, doctoral researcher
Partners
Representatives of the following parties will be invited to the steering group of the project: employer and employee organizations, the regional state administrative agencies, other relevant operators in the field of occupational safety, and the target companies.
Funded by
The project is mainly funded by the Finnish Work Environment Fund and the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health. Eleven industrial workplaces, which will also participate in paying the costs of the project, have undertaken to be target companies.
