Work-Related Asthma Mortality, Michigan 2003-2023.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to identify causes and factors associated with work-related asthma.

Methods: There were 13 work-related asthma (WRA) deaths identified over 21 years in a statewide lung disease surveillance system.

Results: The deceased ranged from 19 to 77. Eight had new onset, and five had aggravated WRA. Five deaths from exposure to isocyanates, two to welding fumes, two to food products, and one death each from exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke, milk tank cleaning agents, chemicals used in construction, and molding machine release spray.

Conclusions: Even when health care practitioners note that work is a trigger of a patient's asthma, there is typically a delay in the recognition and action to address the workplace exposure(s). A WRA death is the ultimate consequence of a practitioner's delay in not addressing work exposure(s) as an asthma trigger.