[The prevalence and risk factors of occupational asthma in workers exposed to isocyanate].

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of occupational asthma, airway inflammation and analyze the risk factors for workers exposed to isocyanates.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was applied. Totally 429 isocyanates exposed workers were surveyed and the prevalence of occupational asthma and airway inflammation situation were examined by questionnaire, physical examination and laboratory tests. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to analyze the possible risk factors of isocyanate-induced occupational asthma.

Results: (1) A total of 366 patients with complete data were included in the study, and finally 11 cases were diagnosed as isocyanate-induced occupational asthma with a prevalence of 3.0%. (2) Neutrophil percentage in the induced sputum of occupational asthma increased significantly [42.00% (34.00%-55.00%) before work and 59.00% (51.00%-70.00%) after work (Z = -2.940. P < 0.05)]. (3) Length of service (OR = 3.096, P = 0.025) and rhinitis (OR = 1.901, P = 0.008) were independent dangerous factors, and protective measures (OR = 0.074, P = 0.015) was protective factors to isocyanate-induced occupational asthma.

Conclusions: Neutrophilic inflammation can be triggered by isocyanate exposure. Regular health examinations, effective protective measures can reduce the prevalence of isocyanate-induced occupational asthma.