IRSST - Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail

Development and improvement of a dust exposure and monitoring system for bronchial challenge tests

Abstract

Diagnosis of occupational asthma, currently the most prevalent occupational lung disease, involves specific bronchial challenge tests. However, the Pepys aerosol-generation technique, presently used in these tests, does not produce well-controlled exposure conditions.

An aerosol-generation system was designed at the IRSST and evaluated by a Montréal-area hospital in 21 patients suspected of suffering from occupational asthma caused by a variety of substances (e.g. red cedar, psyllium, guar gum).

Aerosol concentrations generated by this system were stable. Dose-response curves were established for aerosol concentration and bronchial response.

The system developed here will permit occupational asthma to be studied under safer conditions and with more rigour. The system used to generate standardized exposures is marketable throughout the industrialized world.

Additional Information

Type: Project
Number: 0087-0110
Status: Completed
Research Field: Unclassified
Team:
  • Yves Cloutier (IRSST)
  • Jean-Luc Malo (Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur)
  • André Cartier (Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur)