Background: Ipe is a resistant hardwood that contains naphtoquinones. It is easily found and frequently used in South and Central America. Naphtoquinones are skin sensitizers.

Objective: To describe a case of occupational asthma related to Ipe wood dust.

Methods: The patient was submitted to a clinical evaluation consisting of a respiratory symptom questionnaire, occupational history, serial measurements of lung function by spirometry, skin prick tests, patch tests, specific IgE and specific bronchial provocation tests to Ipe dust.

Results: Serial lung function measurements showed sustained regression of obstruction following removal from exposure. Skin prick tests, but not patch tests, were positive to Ipe, and a specific bronchial challenge showed a late asthmatic reaction. Specific IgE search was negative.

Conclusions: Exposure to Ipe wood dust can lead to occupational asthma. The underlying mechanism should be investigated.

Key words: occupational asthma, wood dusts, Ipe wood, Tabebuia spp, specific bronchial provocation tests