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

Development and validation of a bronchial challenge protocol for gaseous occupational exposures

Abstract

Thanks to clinical bronchial challenge tests, occupational asthma is being diagnosed with increasing frequency. In Québec, the incidence of occupational asthma is greater than that of asbestosis and silicosis combined. Over the past two years, the research team developed an exposure method for particles and gaseous isocyanates and now wants to extend it to other gaseous contaminants. Clinical validation of the organic compound vapour exposure system was performed at the Pneumology Unit of Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur, using formaldehyde and ethanolamine on 10 to 20 subjects referred for diagnosis of occupational asthma. The equipment and method developed will allow hospital laboratories to perform specific bronchial challenge tests of any gaseous occupational contaminant, with no risk to subjects or hospital personnel. In addition, the system will facilitate the strict control of exposure levels and establishment of dose-response curves, and hence leading-edge data on the diagnosis of occupational asthma.

Additional Information

Type: Project
Number: 0090-1290
Status: Completed
Team:
  • Jean-Luc Malo (Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur)
  • André Cartier (Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur)
  • Guy Perrault (IRSST)