Abstract Work-related asthma (WRA) comprises asthma caused by chemicals in the workplace (occupational asthma, or OA) and preexisting asthma made worse by chemicals and conditions (work-exacerbated asthma, or WEA). Distinguishing these two mechanisms is extremely challenging but imperative for effective health management and regulation under global chemical regulations. The Specific Inhalation Challenge (SIC) test is considered by clinicians as the gold standard for identifying OA.
