Background
Since 1980, NIVA has arranged seven courses on occupational respiratory disorders. The latest courses have focused on work-related respiratory allergies. The events have been well attended and appreciated.

During the last few years, it has become evident that a remarkable proportion of all new adult-onset asthma is attributable to occupational exposures. There is also convincing evidence showing that, by and large, a similar proportion of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is attributable to workplace exposures to dusts, gases and vapours. As both asthma and COPD are wide-spread diseases among the general population, the new knowledge may prove most valuable from the point of view of prevention, not only of occupational asthma, but adult-onset asthma in general as well as COPD. Since the previous course in 2003, new information on prevention, early identification, diagnostics and management of occupational asthma has appeared. Although the information about work-exacerbated asthma is still meagre, the importance of this condition has also become increasingly recognized. Information on costs incurred on the society by occupational and work-exacerbated asthma as well as COPD clearly shows the importance of these diseases. The course will provide an in-depth review of relevant new scientific data.

Objectives
The purpose of the course is to provide the participants with an update of the most recent scientific knowledge, views and comprehensions of work-related asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Special attention will be paid to preventive strategies, including early assessment of occupational and work-exacerbated asthma as well as COPD.

Main topics
• Occupational burden of disease: occupational and work-exacerbated asthma, COPD
• Assessment of occupational asthma: new diagnostic methods
• Are genetics of any practical help?
• Importance of irritants in the development of COPD and asthma
• Preventive strategies for occupational asthma - experience of intervention studies
• Work-exacerbated asthma - state-of-the-art
• The management of the asthmatic worker in the workplace
• Early assessment of COPD
• Preventive strategies for COPD
• COPD as an occupational disease
• Vocational guidance of the susceptible adolescent
• Costs incurred by occupational asthma, work-exacerbated asthma, COPD

Course structure and working methods
The course is interactive. Time will be allocated for discussions, article reviews and panel discussions. Participants will be asked to do some home-work prior to the course. There will be a possibility for participants to bring their own posters (not necessarily new ones) which will be jointly discussed.

Organizing committee
Tor Aasen, Norway
Anthony Newman Taylor, United Kingdom
Henrik Nordman, Finland
Torben Sigsgaard, Denmark
Kjell Thorén, Sweden
Jukka Uitti, Finland

Lecturers
Tor Aasen, Norway
Jonas Brisman, Sweden
Sherwood Burge, United Kingdom
Paul Cullinan, United Kingdom
Dick Heederik, The Netherlands
Anthony Newman Taylor, United Kingdom
Henrik Nordman, Finland
Anna-Carin Olin, Sweden
Torben Sigsgaard, Denmark
Susan Tarlo, Canada
Kjell Thorén, Sweden
Jukka Uitti, Finland
Kjell Larsson, Sweden
Hakon Lasse Leira, Norway

Location and accommodation
The venue of the course Grand Hotel Saltsjöbaden is conveniently located 15 minutes outside of Stockholm. The hotel offers an exclusive ambiance with views over the harbour and the renowned Swedish archipelago. Accommodation has been reserved for the participants at the hotel. The total price of a single room with full board is EUR 870,00/person, starting Monday morning and closing with lunch on Thursday. The price includes accommodation, breakfast, conference coffees, lunch and dinner. The social program is yet to be finalized and is therefore not included in the price (est. 100,00 EUR/person). For arrival on Sunday an additional cost of EUR 212,00/person will be charged; this includes accommodation and get-together dinner on Sunday evening.
A day-package is also possible; price EUR 65,00/person/day including conference coffees and lunch buffet. Please contact the course coordinator for other options. The price and the program are subject to minor changes.
For more information on the hotel, please visit the website: www.helnan.info/Saltsjobaden

A confirmation letter with detailed information on payment of accommodation as well as information about the practical arrangements will be sent to the participants after the registration deadline.


Registration deadline
24 August 2009

Registration fee
EUR 600 (accommodation and meals not included)

When paying the registration fee, please indicate:  
1. Your name, 2. registration fee, 3. course code 4913. 

The payment should be made by 24 August to:
NIVA
Nordea Bank Finland Plc
Meilahti Branch, Tukholmankatu 2
FI-00250 Helsinki , Finland
Account no: 226238-2043
IBAN: FI79 2262 3800 0020 43
Swift code: NDEAFIHH

Cancellation and refund policy
Cancellations received by 24 August 2009; full refund.
Cancellations received between 24 August and 28 August; 50% refund of the registration fee.
Cancellations received after 28 August; no refund.

Course leader
Adjunct Professor Henrik Nordman
Finnish Institute of Occupational Health
Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A
00250 Helsinki
Finland
henrik.nordman@ttl.fi

Course coordinator
Siv Jansson, NIVA
Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A
00250 Helsinki
Finland
Tel. +358 30 474 2488
siv.jansson@ttl.fi


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