RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Occupation and adult onset of rhinitis in the general population JF Occupational and Environmental Medicine JO Occup Environ Med FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd SP 38 OP 43 DO 10.1136/oem.2006.031542 VO 65 IS 1 A1 K Radon A1 U Gerhardinger A1 A Schulze A1 J-P Zock A1 D Norback A1 K Toren A1 D Jarvis A1 L Held A1 J Heinrich A1 B Leynaert A1 D Nowak A1 M Kogevinas A1 for the occupational group of the ECRHS study YR 2008 UL http://oem.bmj.com/content/65/1/38.abstract AB Objectives: Occupational exposures have been associated with an increased risk of new-onset rhinitis in apprentices. However, population-based prospective data are scarce and do not cover new onset of rhinitis later in life. The authors studied the association between occupational exposure and adult onset of rhinitis prospectively.Methods: The data of 4994 participants (age at follow-up 28–57 years) from 27 centres of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey II who were symptom-free at baseline were analysed. As outcome at follow-up self-reported (a) nasal allergies (“allergic rhinitis”) and (b) runny, blocked nose for 12 months a year (“perennial rhinitis”) were used. Occupational exposures at any time during follow-up were defined by job title.Results: The cumulative incidence of allergic rhinitis, perennial rhinitis and both conditions was 12%, 11% and 3%, respectively. Compared to office workers, male medical professionals were at increased risk of new onset of allergic rhinitis (OR 3.0; 95% CI 1.4 to 6.4). Odds ratios were reduced in metal workers not involved in metal making or treating (0.3; 95% CI 0.1 to 0.7). For perennial rhinitis ORs were significantly increased in cleaners (1.4; 95% CI 1.0 to 2.1).Conclusions: Cleaners and medical professionals may be at increased risk for adult-onset rhinitis.