Related Experiment Videos
Does seasonal allergic rhinitis increase sensitivity to ammonia exposure?
Marlene Pacharra1, Stefan Kleinbeck1, Michael Schäper1
1Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at the TU Dortmund University, Ardeystrasse 67, 44139 Dortmund, Germany.
International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health
|April 11, 2017
Summary
Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) does not increase sensitivity to ammonia exposure. This study found no enhanced sensory irritation or physiological responses in SAR subjects, challenging assumptions about airborne chemical exposure limits.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Allergology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Allergic inflammation in upper airways is common.
- Its effect on sensitivity to airborne chemicals and established exposure limits is unknown.
- Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) subjects may have altered responses to irritants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if pre-existing allergic inflammation (SAR) enhances sensitivity to airborne chemicals.
- To assess the impact of SAR on subjective and physiological responses to ammonia exposure.
- To determine if current occupational exposure limits for ammonia are adequate for individuals with SAR.
Main Methods:
- 19 SAR subjects and 18 controls underwent 4-hour whole-body exposure to ammonia (2.5ppm and 0-40ppm) in a cross-over design.
- Exhaled nitric oxide and serum total immunoglobulin E confirmed SAR inflammation.
- Subjective perceptions, eye-blink rate, nasal obstruction, and inflammatory markers (substance P, TNF-α, HMGB1) were measured.
Main Results:
- SAR subjects showed persistent inflammation but no enhanced subjective or physiological responses to ammonia compared to controls.
- Ammonia exposure (up to 40ppm) did not induce stress responses or significant nasal obstruction.
- No difference in ocular irritation or inflammatory markers was observed between SAR and control groups.
Conclusions:
- Seasonal allergic rhinitis does not appear to enhance chemosensory effects or physiological responses to ammonia.
- Current findings do not support the hypothesis that SAR increases susceptibility to this specific airborne irritant.
- Further research with different chemicals and perennial allergens is needed to generalize these results.