Can primary prevention of asthma be extended beyond the work environment?

BACKGROUND:

Asthma affects 18.7 million adults in the US, contributing to poor quality of life, disability, and medical costs.  In Massachusetts, 10.3% of adults have current asthma.  Work-related asthma (WRA) contributes significantly to this burden. Nearly 50% of adults report that work caused or worsened their asthma; sentinel surveillance systems in five states continue to uncover WRA in specific industries, occupations, and with use of certain agents. Yet, asthma is often seen as genetic in origin and manageable—missing opportunities to prevent the disease. 

METHODS:

The Strategic Plan for Asthma in Massachusetts, 2009-14, set a goal of developing a roadmap for primary prevention of asthma.  The lead partner was the Lowell Center for Sustainable Production. With guidance from a multi-stakeholder planning committee, they convened an innovative 2-day symposium with researchers, clinicians, advocates and government representatives to discuss asthma prevention.  Researchers summarized the weight of the evidence on a number of factors and assessed whether each was “ready for action.” The WRA project in the Massachusetts Department of Public Health participated, articulating that chemicals can initiate asthma with implications for workers and communities.  The symposium’s methods, products, and subsequent organizing are promoting collaboration and provide opportunities for occupational issues to shape thinking.

RESULTS/CONCLUSION

Reducing company use of and workplace exposures to asthmagens and irritants should be seen as components of a public health responsibility to prevent asthma, in the same way that we discourage smoking, develop neighborhoods protected from traffic and reduce racism and violence in the community.