Acute Irritant-Induced Asthma Caused by Ozone

Objective: There is an increasing concern for negative health risks from ozone-generating devices sold as air cleaners. We present seven cases that developed asthma after an accident with ozone-producing UV-systems in a restaurant kitchen. Materials and Methods: Out of a total of 127 possibly ozone-exposed employees, 55 employees reported symptoms, and seven employees were diagnosed with occupational asthma after the accident. These seven subjects were studied in relation to exposure, symptoms, lung function measurements, reversibility and bronchial hyper responsiveness (BHR) to methacholine, both shortly after the accidental exposure and at a follow-up two years later. Results: Two years after cessation of exposure all seven subjects still needed treatment for asthma. Discussion: Accidents involving ozone gas from air purifiers with UV-lamps may cause acute irritant-induced asthma. There is a need for greater awareness in the use of ozone-generating devices.