Main Causal Agents of Occupational Asthma in France, Reported to the National Network for Occupational Disease Vigilance and Prevention (RNV3P) 2001-2018.

OBJECTIVES: The definition of work-related Asthma (WRA) has changed in recent years and new etiologies and agents have been identified. The aim of this study is to describe the main causal agents of WRA in France in the period 2001-2018 in the main work sectors. METHODS: Data were collected from the French national network of occupational health surveillance and prevention [Réseau National de Vigilance et de Prévention des Pathologies Professionnelles (RNV3P)], Data between 2001 and 2018 with at least a probable or certain association with one occupational agent, were included. RESULTS: Work sectors with more cases OF WRA included personal service activities (10.6%), food industry (10.2%) and healthcare activities (7.6%). WRA cases were most frequently related to flour (10%), quaternary ammoniums compounds (5.3%), isocyanates (5.1%) and cleaning products (4.8%). CONCLUSION: Occupational exposure to specific agents capable of causing WRA is still present, and four agents represent more than 25% of the cases. Actions to prevent respiratory exposure are still relevant.

Work-related laryngeal cancer: Trends in France from 2001 to 2016.

OBJECTIVES: As part of the 2014-2019 cancer plan and in order to improve our knowledge of work-related cancers, we analysed the work-related laryngeal cancer risk situations identified in the French national occupational disease surveillance and prevention network (rnv3p) from 2001 to 2016. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study focused on cases of work-related laryngeal cancer, which the expert physician considered to be directly related to exposure (intermediate or strong causal relationship). Demographic data, occupational exposure circumstances (hazards, occupation, business sector), non-occupational risk factors and the occupational physician's opinion concerning notification as an occupational disease were analysed. RESULTS: Two hundred forty-four cases of laryngeal cancer were registered between 2001 and 2016. One hundred and forty seven cases were considered to be work-related, with an intermediate or strong causal relationship in 87 cases. This exclusively male population had a median age of 59 years. Ninety-seven different forms of exposure were identified, including asbestos in 78 cases. The main business sectors concerned were specialized construction (14 cases) and metallurgy (7 cases). Occupational disease notification was recommended in 60 patients, corresponding to asbestos exposure in 80% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Asbestos is the laryngeal cancer risk factor most commonly reported in the network from 2001 to 2016. This study confirms the role of asbestos in laryngeal carcinogenesis. Laryngeal cancer may therefore need to be compensated as an occupational disease in France, as in other European countries.