Work-Related Asthma in the Spray-On Truck Bed Lining Industry

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 co...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of occupational and environmental medicine 2005-05, Vol.47 (5), p.514-517
Main Authors: Bonauto, David K., Sumner, Austin D., Curwick, Christy C., Whittaker, Stephen G., Lofgren, Don J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Asthma
Asthma - diagnosis
Asthma - economics
Asthma - epidemiology
Automobiles - statistics & numerical data
Bedding
Biological and medical sciences
Chemical and industrial products toxicology. Toxic occupational diseases
Humans
Incidence
Male
Medical sciences
Occupational Diseases - diagnosis
Occupational Diseases - economics
Occupational Diseases - epidemiology
Occupational Exposure - adverse effects
Occupational hazards
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Respiratory Function Tests
Toluene 2,4-Diisocyanate - adverse effects
Toxicology
Trucks
Various organic compounds
Washington - epidemiology
Workers' Compensation - statistics & numerical data
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Summary: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.
ISSN:1076-2752
1536-5948
DOI:10.1097/01.jom.0000161735.29805.45