Addressing every key component of occupational asthma-including disease mechanisms, clinical diagnosis, treatment, and categories of causative agents-this Third Edition supplies an expert survey of the most influential advances and research in the field. Supplying new and expanded chapters on genetics, environmental monitoring, pathophysiology, skin and pulmonary interactions, and the surveillance and prevention of occupational asthma, this guide will stand alone as the most up-to-date source on the topic.

Table of Contents

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS. Definition and Classification. Historical Aspects. Epidemiological Approaches and Natural History. Genetics. Pathophysiology. Animal Models. ASSESMENT AND MANAGEMENT. Clinical Assessment and Management. Immunological and Inflammatory Assessments. Physiological Assessment. Occupational Challenge Tests. Environmental Monitoring: General Considerations. Environmental Monitoring of Protein Aeroallergens. Environmental Monitoring of Chemical Agents. Medicolegal Aspects, Compensation Aspects, Evaluation of Impairment/Disability. Surveillance and Prevention. SPECIFIC AGENTS CAUSING OCCUPATIONAL ASTHMA. Enzymes. Baking Products. Animals, Insects, and Shellfishes. Latex. Other High-Molecular Weight Protein Agents. Polyisocyanates and Their Prepolymers. Wood Dusts. Metals. Other Chemical Substances. SPECIFIC DISEASE ENTITIES AND VARIANTS. Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome and Other Types of Irritant-Induced Asthma. Asthma Exacerbated at Work. Asthma-Like Syndromes. COPD Due to Occupational Exposure. Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis. Building Related Illnesses. Upper Airways Involvement. Skin Involvement. Conclusion and Research Needs