| Document ID (ISN) | 111902 |
| CIS number |
11-0509 |
| ISSN - Serial title |
0962-7480 - Occupational Medicine |
| Year |
2010 |
| Convention or series no. |
|
| Author(s) |
Nicholson P.J., Mayho G.V., Roomes D., Swann A.B., Blackburn B.S. |
| Title |
Health surveillance of workers exposed to laboratory animal allergens |
| Bibliographic information |
2010, Vol.60, p.591-597. 50 ref. |
| Abstract |
Laboratory animal allergy (LAA) remains prevalent among workers exposed to laboratory animals. Pre-placement and health surveillance procedures vary between different employers. The objective of this literature survey was to determine evidence-based strategies for pre-placement and periodic health assessments for workers exposed to laboratory animals. Based on the findings, it is recommended that laboratory animal workers should have a baseline health assessment that includes a health questionnaire, face-to-face assessment and spirometry. Identification of specific immunoglobulin E to common aero-allergens and to domestic and laboratory animal allergens may be used to identify workers who would benefit from further advice about managing their exposure, where risk assessment indicates that this might be prudent. Thereafter health surveillance should be performed by administering an appropriate health questionnaire, covering upper and lower respiratory, eye and skin symptoms on exposure, and wheals with animal scratches. The questionnaire should be administered at increased frequency for the first few years, the frequency being determined by a risk assessment. When workers develop new symptoms suggestive of LAA or where an asthmatic employee experiences deterioration either in symptoms or in control, they should be assessed further and a multicause multidisciplinary investigation performed. |
| Descriptors (primary) |
allergens; laboratory work; medical supervision; handling of animals |
| Descriptors (secondary) |
immunoglobulins; health hazards; literature survey |
| Document type |
D - Periodical articles |
| Subject(s) |
Commerce, services, offices
Occupational pathology
|
| Broad subject area(s) |
Occupational medicine, epidemiology
|
| Browse category(ies) |
Allergies
Occupational health services
Animal hazards
|
