Issue:
Work-related asthma exacerbations are common, with approximately one-third of adult Canadian asthmatics stating that work makes their asthma worse. The most common job settings for such complaints are in mining and construction, where diesel exhaust is present. How diesel exhaust triggers asthma is unclear however. This research will test the hypothesis that diesel exhaust triggers oxidative stress and airway narrowing in human asthmatics, and that this may be worsened by the additional insult of allergens. If this can be shown, then it can be concluded that reducing oxidative stress in workers (either by taking an “anti-oxidant” to ward of oxidative stress, or by changing the composition and/or use of diesel fuel) is a viable strategy.
Objectives:
The objective is to provide a better understanding of diesel exhaust-related airway disease, which may directly translate to measures to protect workers. With this evidence, a strong case can be made for reducing exposures, or recommending that asthmatics take antioxidants to minimize the asthmatic effect of diesel exhaust in cases where the work setting makes it technically impossible to decrease exposures
Anticipated Results:
This project will provide support for recommendations to changes in fuel composition to reduce the components that are most likely to trigger asthma, overall changes in permissible exhaust emissions, and/or support measures for workers to bolster their anti-oxidant levels. It is possible that more research will need to be done in order to firmly make such recommendations, but this project will be an important step.
Investigators:
Christopher Carlsten (University of British Columbia)
