SWORD '97: Surveillance of work-related and occupational respiratory disease in the UK

SWORD is one of seven clinically based reporting schemes which together now provide almost comprehensive coverage of occupational diseases across the UK. Although SWORD is now in its tenth year, participation rates remain hig h. Oi an estimated 3,903 new cases seen this year, 1,031 (26%) were of occu pational asthma, 978 (25%) of mesothelioma, 794 (20%) of non-malignant pleu ral disease, 336 (9%) of pneumoconiosis and 233 (6%) of inhalation accident s. Incidence rates of occupational asthma were generally highest among work ers in the manufacture of wood products, textiles and food (particularly gr ain products and crustaceans) and additionally, in the production of precio us and non-ferrous metals, rubber goods, detergents and perfumes, and in mi ning. Health care workers were noted to have a surprisingly high incidence of inhalation accidents. Occupational asthma attributed to latex has increa sed dramatically; the highest rates are among laboratory technicians, shoe workers and health care workers.