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Diethanolamine-induced occupational asthma, a case report
R Piipari1, M Tuppurainen, T Tuomi
1Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki.
Summary
Diethanolamine (DEA) can cause occupational asthma through airway obstruction, even at low concentrations. This study defines the levels that trigger asthmatic reactions in exposed workers.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Medicine
- Toxicology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Amino alcohols are industrial chemicals linked to allergic contact dermatitis.
- Airway exposure is rare outside occupational settings, often involving heated or vaporized amino alcohols.
- Previous reports of asthma and rhinitis from amino alcohols lacked defined exposure levels.
Observation:
- A case of occupational asthma was investigated in a patient exposed to diethanolamine (DEA) in cutting fluid.
- Bronchial provocation tests were performed using DEA aerosol at concentrations below the ACGIH TLV.
- Symptoms of work-related asthma were monitored through patient reporting and peak expiratory flow measurements.
Findings:
- Diethanolamine (DEA) induced asthmatic airway obstruction at concentrations below the ACGIH Threshold Limit Value (TLV).
- A slight dose-response relationship was observed between DEA exposure and asthmatic reactions.
- No specific IgE antibodies against DEA were detected in the patient.
Implications:
- Diethanolamine (DEA) is confirmed as an inducer of occupational asthma via a sensitization mechanism.
- The precise pathophysiological pathway for DEA-induced asthma remains to be elucidated.
- This research highlights the need for stricter controls on workplace exposure to DEA.