Abstract

Bronchial irritation syndrome is a form of occupational asthma that manifests itself following exposure to a high concentration or to several low exposures to a non-specific irritant (e.g., ammonia, chlorine) and a worker develops respiratory symptoms suggestive of asthma that can lead to a permanent functional disorder. This project is part of the ongoing work carried out with the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. It pursues epidemiological monitoring and the study of the problem by identifying the risk factors and characteristics of the inflammation occurring with this type of lung disorder. With the animal model that the scientists previously developed, the same questions can be studied at the same time, as well as the blocking effect of antioxidants on the response to irritants. By evaluating the respective roles of the environment and individual susceptibility in the development of bronchial irritation syndrome, this study will allow workers with documented functional and biological changes to be reoriented professionally, and a therapeutic intervention using antioxidants to be carried out.