humulene and Asthma--Occupational

Multiple respiratory hazards have been identified in the cannabis cultivation and production industry, in which occupational asthma and work-related exacerbation of preexisting asthma have been reported. An employee working in a Massachusetts cannabis cultivation and processing facility experienced progressively worsening work-associated respiratory symptoms, which culminated in a fatal asthma attack in January 2022. This report represents findings of an Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspection, which included a worksite exposure assessment, coworker and next-of-kin interviews, medical record reviews, and collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Respiratory tract or skin symptoms were reported by four of 10 coworkers with similar job duties. Prevention is best achieved through a multifaceted approach, including controlling asthmagen exposures, such as cannabis dust, providing worker training, and conducting medical monitoring for occupational allergy. Evaluation of workers with new-onset or worsening asthma is essential, along with prompt diagnosis and medical management, which might include cessation of work and workers' compensation when relation to work exposures is identified. It is important to recognize that work in cannabis production is potentially causative.

Topics: Asthma, Occupational; Cannabis; Humans; Massachusetts; Occupational Diseases; Occupational Exposure

We conducted surveillance for work-related asthma (WRA) in Washington State to identify the industry sectors and asthma exposures most commonly affecting injured workers and in need of prevention activities.. Using workers' compensation data as the primary data source, valid cases were classified as work-aggravated asthma (WAA) or new onset asthma that includes occupational asthma (OA) and reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS). The source of exposure that caused the worker's asthma, their industry and occupation were determined.. There were 784 valid work-related asthma cases identified for the period 2009-2016, WAA (. State-based work-related asthma surveillance is critical in identifying the workers and exposures associated with this occupational disease, including the detection of a case-series in the cannabis industry.

Topics: Asthma, Occupational; Cannabis; Dust; Humans; Occupational Diseases; Occupational Exposure; Washington