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Controlling exposure to laboratory animal allergens
1The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, USA.
ILAR Journal
|December 21, 2000
Summary
Laboratory animal allergy (LAA) is a common occupational disease. Reducing exposure to animal allergens through various controls is key to preventing LAA and managing symptoms in workers.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Immunology
- Industrial Hygiene
Background:
- Laboratory animal allergy (LAA) affects up to one-third of personnel working with lab animals.
- Occupational exposure risks (intensity, frequency, duration) are linked to specific tasks and areas.
- Reduced allergen exposure is proven to decrease LAA incidence and alleviate worker symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review exposure control options for laboratory animal allergens.
- To discuss considerations and best practices for LAA management.
- To frame these controls within traditional industrial hygiene methods.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing research on laboratory animal allergy.
- Analysis of exposure risks associated with different tasks and work environments.
- Evaluation of control strategies including engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment.
Main Results:
- Identified key factors influencing LAA risk, such as exposure intensity, frequency, and duration.
- Demonstrated the efficacy of exposure reduction in managing LAA.
- Outlined a range of control measures for allergen exposure.
Conclusions:
- A combination of control measures is essential for effective LAA management.
- Implementing engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE are integral to reducing LAA.
- Best practices in industrial hygiene provide a framework for controlling laboratory animal allergen exposure.