Epidemiology of respiratory hazards: recent advances.

A bibliographical review of epidemiological studies published over the last five years has led us to individualize the themes that have been the subject of most recent publications (Table I). These research themes are not new, which shows a certain continuity in epidemiological research on the respiratory risks of occupational origin. Few studies are devoted to the identification of unrecognized respiratory risks; nevertheless, the methodology used, the indicators of effects studies contribute to a better knowledge of the respiratory effects of known occupational exposure factors. Among these effects, exposure to asbestos, silica, isocyanates and organic dusts is frequently referred to in most publications. Smoking habits are more and more taken into consideration in these studies. The themes retained and the publications cited here are not exhaustive, and this bibliographical review does not pretend to represent a complete appraisal of recent developments of the epidemiological respiratory risks of occupational origin.