Relatively little is known about the consequences of asthma for patients' w
ork ability. In particular, the relationship between asthma and constructio
n work has not been studied previously. The aim of this study was to determ
ine how asthma affects construction workers' work ability and quality of li
fe, and the most important conditions that cause respiratory symptoms in co
nstruction work. A questionnaire was sent to all construction workers exami
ned in the pulmonary clinic of Tampere University Hospital between 1991 and
1995 who were diagnosed as having 'asthma bronchiale' (n = 104). In additi
on, 206 non-asthmatic construction workers were recruited from the register
of the local trade union. Altogether, 73% of the asthmatic construction wo
rkers and 70% of the controls completed the questionnaire. Of the asthmatic
s, 48% were retired, whereas only 24% of the controls were receiving a pens
ion. The asthmatics evaluated their work ability and general health as sign
ificantly worse than did the controls. The asthmatics had more limitations
in their work and everyday life than the controls. Asthmatic construction w
orkers had often changed work tasks and also occupation because of their il
lness. Building renovation, cleaning and insulation with mineral fibre mate
rials were the most common causes of respiratory symptoms in the workplace,
among both the asthmatics and the controls. Cold air, physical exercise an
d all types of dust and smoke caused the asthmatics to experience symptoms.
It was concluded that asthma limits the work and everyday life of construc
tion workers. Exposure to dusty, non-sensitizing agents is associated with
asthmatic symptoms among construction workers.