Occupational exposure to chemicals drives the increased risk of asthma and rhinitis observed for exposure to vapours, gas, dust and fumes: a cross-sectional population-based study.

Objectives: Occupational exposure to the composite measure vapours, gases, dusts and fumes (VGDF), contribute to the burden of asthma and rhinitis. The objective was to evaluate occupational exposure to VGDF, which is further divided into the components chemicals, organic and inorganic dust in relation to asthma and rhinitis.

Methods: Previously examined participants from three population-based cohorts in the Obstructive Lung disease In Northern Sweden (OLIN) studies were re-examined during 2002-2004.

Occupational exposure to dust, gases and fumes, a family history of asthma and impaired respiratory health.

Objectives: This study assessed the impact of occupational exposure to dust, gases, and fumes on respiratory symptoms, obstructive lung diseases, or the use of asthma medication among persons with and without a family history of asthma.

Methods: A population-based cohort was followed for 10 years. This study included all 1739 men and 1594 women occupationally active at the first survey.

Exposure-response of silicosis mortality in Swedish iron ore miners.

Objectives: To assess the exposure-response relationship between exposure to quartz and fatal silicosis.

Methods: The mortality from silicosis in 7729 miners was analyzed and compared to their estimated exposure to respirable quartz. The miners had been working as a miner for at least 1 year between 1923 and 1996.

Persistence of respiratory symptoms in ex-underground iron ore miners.

Aims: To assess the persistence of respiratory symptoms in ex-miners after cessation of mining exposure.

Methods: Population-based cross-sectional study using a postal questionnaire comparing prevalence of symptoms between ex-miners who had stopped mining at least 1 year before the study and referents not occupationally exposed to irritants or dust. Age, smoking and a family history of asthma were considered as possible confounders in the analysis.

Socio-economic status is related to incidence of asthma and respiratory symptoms in adults.

The aim of the present study was to assess the association between socio-economic status and impaired respiratory health in a 10-yr follow-up of a population-based postal survey in Northern Sweden. Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios in relation to socio-economic class, using age, sex, a family history of asthma, smoking habits, and occupational exposures to dust, gases and fumes as possible confounders. The study comprised 2,341 males and 2,413 females.