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Occupational asthma and allergy in the detergent industry: new developments
Katherine Sarlo1, Donald B Kirchner
1The Procter and Gamble Company, Miami Valley Laboratries, Cincinnati, Ohio 45253, USA. sarlo.k@pg.com
Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|April 20, 2002
Summary
Effective management of occupational asthma and allergy in the detergent industry relies on proactive surveillance for enzyme-specific IgE antibodies. Following safety guidelines significantly reduces worker allergy and asthma cases.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health
- Immunology
- Industrial hygiene
Background:
- Enzyme-induced occupational asthma and allergy are significant concerns in the detergent industry.
- Previous exposures have led to allergic reactions, including rhinitis and conjunctivitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the latest developments in controlling enzyme-induced occupational asthma and allergy.
- To highlight the success of the detergent industry's management strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of industry guidelines for safe enzyme handling.
- Prospective surveillance for enzyme-specific IgE antibody development.
- Monitoring of occupational allergy and asthma incidence.
Main Results:
- Manufacturing facilities adhering to guidelines report minimal to no cases of occupational asthma and allergy.
- Prospective surveillance enables early intervention to reduce exposure and prevent symptoms.
- Workers with IgE antibodies can remain symptom-free with controlled exposure.
Conclusions:
- The detergent industry's approach to managing enzyme-induced occupational allergy serves as a model for other industries.
- Controlling type 1 protein allergens in the workplace is achievable through surveillance and exposure reduction.
- Sensitization exposures may be lower than those triggering allergic symptoms.