Toxicology of Industrial Compounds

154 OCCUPATIONAL ASTHMA INDUCED BY CHEMICAL AGENTS
suggest that cases with RADS are left with less airway reversibility than
occupational asthmatics. This would be consistent with the pathological
findings (Boutet et al., 1993) in RADS, with more severe basement
membrane thickening and bronchial wall fibrosis than is present in
occupational asthma.
The development of occupational asthma in any individual has
potentially serious consequences both in terms of persisting disability,
possible unemployment and loss of income (Gannon et al., 1993). It is
incumbent on management to ensure safe working conditions with
adequate control and regular monitoring of atmospheric levels of chemical
agents.
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