Characteristics of Patients With Work-Related Asthma Seen in the New York State Occupational Health Clinics

Objective: The objective of this study was to characterize the work related asthma population seen by the New York State Occupational Health Clinic Network (OHCN) to determine which industries, occupations, and causal agents are associated with work-related asthma in New York State (NYS). Methods: The OHCN patient database was analyzed to identify those patients with a diagnosis of work-related asthma and medical charts were then abstracted for data on demographics, clinical history, disease severity, industry, occupation, and putative agent. Results: The OHCN patients with work-related asthma were mos commonly employed in the service and manufacturing industries. Common occupations included teachers, farm operators/managers, an construction trades. The most frequently reported putative agents associated with work-related asthma were dust, indoor air, mold, and solvents. Conclusions: Our findings suggest the potential importance of prevention of workplace exposure in reducing adult asthma in NYS.