Rationale for Development of Work-Related Asthma Educational Tools for Asthmatics

Opinion statement Currently, young asthmatics have little knowledge of the potential effects of work exposures on their asthma. We expect that education of young asthmatics about the potential effects of the working environment on their asthma and appropriate steps to reduce work-related exacerbations will provide these individuals with skills to better control their asthma. Currently, there is no formal process for this education to our knowledge. Since the Internet is readily available and widely used by most young asthmatics, it may provide a useful forum for such education. Our preliminary studies with development and early validation of a Web-based educational tool for work-related asthma suggest that this can provide education and may prove to be a useful resource. Additional studies are needed to determine whether this can be easily used in high schools or trade schools or in the workplace, and whether the knowledge gained can translate into reduction of morbidity. Potentially, benefit may also accrue to older working adults with asthma or those at increased risk of developing occupational asthma.