This cross sectional questionnaire mail survey determined the prevalence of asthma and respiratory symptoms among radiographers (1754 responded) and a control group of physiotherapists (1875 responded). New onset asthma since starting in the profession was more prevalent in radiographers (30% greater in females, but fivefold increase among males) than in physiotherapists. Respiratory symptoms were reported 2–3 times more frequently by radiographers than by physiotherapists. The study suggests that these findings may be work related, with a strong association with tasks likely to generate aerosol or chemical exposure.