Occupational asthma in Finland
Oksa, P.
Duodecim; Laaketieteellinen Aikakauskirja 127(20): 2225-2230
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 0012-7183 PMID: 22191206 Document Number: 649275
Occupational diseases have been registered since 1964 in Finland. The annual number of suspected or recognized occupational asthma cases is currently approximately 600. Allergy to cow epithelium as the cause of occupational asthma has decreased since the 1980's. Instead, microbes associated with moisture damage have emerged as frequent causes. Problems with indoor air and moisture damage in workplaces cause frequently respiratory symptoms and suspicions of occupational asthma. Long-term trends in the numbers and causes of occupational asthma reflect changes in working life. Even if the total number of occupational asthma cases is low, it is important to diagnose them. By this working conditions can be improved.