Survey of workers exposed to dusts containing derivatives of Bacillus subtilis

In a survey of 121 workers exposed to dusts containing derivatives of Bacillus subtilis, mainly proteolytic enzymes, skin tests showed evidence of sentiztation was higher among "atopic" subjects-16 out of tization was higher among "atopic" subjects-16 out of 25 (64%)-than among "non-atopic" subjects-32 out of 96 (33%). Reduced ventilatory capacity was found in 44% of sensitized workers compared with 14% of those not sensitized.