Asthma

Asthma is a common medical condition that causes narrowing of the small airways in the lungs which results in coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or rapid breathing, chest tightness and increased mucous (phlegm) production in the lungs and can in some cases be disabling, or even life-threatening. Occupational asthma (OA) is asthma caused in the workplace

Methacrylates, and particularly methyl methacrylate (MMA), has been cited as causing OA by some clinicians, including the Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics (AOEC). Several independent scientists and international agencies, however, have looked at the available information in recent years and concluded that MMA does not cause the development of asthma. Rather, since MMA is irritating to the respiratory system that breathing high levels of MMA vapor, like many other irritant chemicals, may make asthma worse in a person that already suffers from asthma. The evidence surrounding 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) and 2-hydroxypropylmethacrylate (HPMA) is not at all convincing. Not only are these monomers of such low volatility that inhalation exposure is very unlikely, but the clinical case studies cited involve exposure to complex mixtures so attributing the asthma response to any single chemical is impossible. Methacrylates and Asthma Technical Summary

For additional information about Methacrylates and Asthma see the following:

• Occupational asthma: dust exposure as a contributory factor and implications for classification of respiratory sensitisers

• Methyl Methacrylate and Respiratory Sensitisation: A Comprehensive Review

• Classification of Chemicals as Respiratory Allergens Based on Human Data: Requirements and Practical Considerations

• Accurate regulatory classification of chemical respiratory allergens: The case for robust characterisation of causation

• Evidential Requirements for the Regulatory Hazard and Risk Assessment of Respiratory Sensitisers: Methyl Methacrylate as an Example

• Statement Regarding AOEC Classification of Methyl Methacrylate

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