Occupational Exposures and Adult Asthma. Susan M. Tarlo. Immunol Allergy Clin N Am 28 (2008) 563–576.  See abstract: There is significant current interest not only in OA but also in the potential of work exposures to exacerbate/aggravate adult asthma. The range of potential triggers for OA and WEA is wide. OA can result in persisting asthma even after removal from exposure to the work agent and for WEA the exacerbation could range from very transient worsening of symptoms to persistent daily worsening at work. OA and WEA can have significant socioeconomic impacts. Underlying host factors, such as asthma severity and medication use, and compliance likely are contributing factors to WEA. It is hoped that epidemiologic studies in the future will help clarify these common conditions. OA is a challenge to definitively identify in epidemiologic studies. Nevertheless, case definitions for epidemiologic studies have been developed and there is a need for greater use of such tools to better identify the prevalence and causes of OA worldwide and prognostic factors and results of preventive measures.