Asthma is more common among those who work in cars

4 million people in France are affected by asthma. The disease may be related to genetic predispositions or to the patient's environment. Some professions may be more harmful to people with asthma or on the contrary promote asthma in people who do not. Public Health France published on July 24, a study on asthma among artisans and traders. Those who work by car would be more concerned.

Frequency 40% higher in some cases

Some trades are known for their impact on respiratory health such as those related to hairdressing or baking. But the study, carried out on 967,391 artisans / traders, shows that other trades not known until now are also at risk. For driving instructors and paramedics, asthma is 40% more prevalent compared to safe occupations. For taxi drivers, this rate is between 20 and 30%.

How to interpret these results?

For the researchers behind this study, the results can be interpreted in two ways. First, it is possible that patients with asthma change jobs, to avoid those known to be at risk, and redirected to these professions, this would explain this higher frequency.

The second hypothesis is that these trades carried out by car are themselves vectors of dangers for respiratory health, particularly because of the exhaust gases. For these scientists, it is necessary to conduct other more specific studies for to understand the links between asthma and the profession practiced in a car, in order to better guide prevention. According to Public Health France, 15% of asthma cases are due to occupational factors.