Occupational asthma due to metals

Occupational asthma due to metals Platinum salts are among the best described causes of occupational asthma (OA) due to metals. The disease has been described in refineries and catalyst plants. The diagnosis is based upon work-related symptoms of asthma and rhinitis and a positive skin prick test (SPT). Asthma due to iridium, palladium and rhodium was described in the electro-chemical industry and is extremely rare. The diagnosis is based on the demonstration of sensitization by SPT with soluble salts of these metals. Allergic airway reactions due to chromium were reported as case reports in cement workers and electroplaters. Also in welders occupational asthma was described, but positive SPT could not be documented. Due to discordant findings of SPT and patch testing, both techniques should be included in the diagnosis of OA due to chromium. Cobalt-induced OA has been described in production and the hard metal industry, but clinical data were poorly documented. Positive intradermal tests were reported, but often immunologic testing is completely negative. In summary, OA due to metals should be suspected in refineries, catalyst productions, production, hard metal and cement industry, and electroplating. Immunologic testing should be designed according to exposure conditions.