Occupational asthma and allergy in the detergent industry: new developments

This review highlights the latest developments in the control of enzyme-induced occupational asthma and allergy (rhinitis and conjunctivitis) in the detergent industry. The industry has developed guidelines for the safe handling of enzymes in order to reduce the risk of occupational allergy and asthma. Those manufacturing facilities that follow all of the guidelines enjoy very low or no cases of asthma and allergy among workers exposed to enzymes. The key to the success of the management of enzyme-induced allergy and asthma is prospective surveillance for the development of enzyme-specific IgE antibody before the onset of allergic symptoms. This allows for continuing interventions to reduce exposures, so as to minimize or eliminate those associated with symptoms. Workers with IgE to enzymes can still continue to work in the industry symptom-free for their entire career. This indicates that exposures needed to induce sensitization are different and probably lower than exposures needed to elicit enzyme allergic symptoms. The experience of the detergent enzyme industry in controlling occupational allergens can be applied to other industries. The detergent enzyme story can be viewed as a model for the control of type 1 protein allergens in the workplace.