[Asthma and COPD in the workplace].

Obstructive lung diseases are frequent in the Swiss general population. The course of these diseases can be influenced by several factors encountered in the workplace. The impact of these factors can be limited by engineered and administrative controls and then by the utilization of personal protective equipment. Surveillance programs aim to identify individuals with early symptoms of occupational disease. A change of workplace is indicated if the occupational exposures lead to a frequent exacerbation of a respiratory disorder.