1. Occupational allergy as a challenge to developing countries
- Author
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Rydzynski, Konrad and Palczynski, Cezary
- Subjects
- *
ASTHMA , *OBSTRUCTIVE lung diseases , *DISEASES ,DEVELOPED countries - Abstract
A steady increase in the incidence of allergic diseases can be observed since 1950s. For such atopic diseases as bronchial asthma, pollinosis or atopic dermatitis, a significantly increased morbidity rate in the general population has been found. Strikingly enough, the highest prevalence of asthma and allergy was recorded in highly developed countries. It can thus be assumed that the high rate of asthma may be an attribute of the post-industrial societies. The prevalence of occupational allergies is thought to be in direct proportion to the rate with which allergies occur in the general population. In view of the changing environment and lifestyles in the developing countries, their communities are expected to be faced with similar negative epidemiological effects concerning allergies. To counteract the spreading of negative health effects, the following measures need to be undertaken: [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2004
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