[Allergen decontamination and public sector]

Reduction of allergen exposure is one way to reduce exacerbations in allergic asthma. According to Danish legislation, the local authorities have to support initiatives which can reduce clinically relevant inhouse allergen exposure. A case of grotesque bureaucracy and ignorance of basic allergological facts is presented. Local administration confused allergy to cat dander with allergy to house dust mite and two appeal boards only reviewed legal aspects, not medical. After inquiry by the ombudsman, the case was reviewed by one appeal board and the patient was granted help. After three years the patient had moved to another district and the case was started all over again. It is recommended that direct contact between physicians should be preferred, in order to avoid misinterpretation of specialist statements. Original documents should always be requested to avoid transcription errors. Local public administration should respect legislation and improve the quality of their medical advisors.