RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Risk assessment of exposure to allergens is difficult because the relationship between exposure, sensitization, and symptoms has not been fully established. Laboratory animal allergens (LAA) are an important occupational health risk factor; 10-32% of workers exposed to these allergens develop allergic diseases. This article introduces a versatile approach to assessing the risks posed by LAA at two laboratory animal facilities. METHODS: The risk assessment approach that was used at the laboratory animal facilities included questionnaires for management and employees, a hazard identification visit and measurements in the workplaces, as well as the creation of a list of generally recommended procedures to reduce allergen exposure. RESULTS: The prevalence of work-related allergic symptoms was 17%. Suggested countermeasures at the sites included changes in ventilation and work practices, reduction of unnecessary exposure, recommendations for more comprehensive use of personal protective equipment, and wider communication about LAA risks. CONCLUSIONS: The approach managed to identify critical points and potential means for controlling LAA exposure.
Asunto(s)
Contaminación del Aire Interior , Alérgenos , Animales de Laboratorio/inmunología , Laboratorios , Adulto , Animales , Femenino , Estado de Salud , Humanos , Masculino , Medición de Riesgo , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
In work environments with laboratory animals, the bedding of animals binds the excreta as well as other compounds originating from the animals and their environment. These may be generated into the ambient air when the personnel handle bedding in different procedures. This study compares the dustiness of different types of six clean and four soiled beddings from rat or mouse cages. The dust generation of clean bedding varied from <1 to 25 mg/m(3). When used in the cages of rats or mice for 4 days, the dust concentration of the beddings decreased, increased or stayed the same, depending on the type of bedding and animal species. A decrease in dustiness was, however, more common. The levels in the soiled beddings varied from <1 to 8.6 mg/m(3). In the case of the aspen chip bedding, the contents of bedding used in mouse, rat or rabbit cages were analysed for mesophilic bacteria and fungi, mycobacteria and endotoxins. All of these contaminants were variably found in the bedding samples, the maximal concentrations for bacteria were >6 500 000 colony-forming units (cfu)/g, for fungi 212 000 cfu/g, and for endotoxins 6500 ng/g (81 000 EU/g). The results showed that the bedding of laboratory animals may contain biologically effective compounds, and that these may be distributed into the ambient air depending on the characteristics of the bedding material. The dustiness of different bedding types is an important factor affecting the amount and quality of the occupational exposure of the personnel to airborne contaminants.
Asunto(s)
Contaminantes Atmosféricos , Animales de Laboratorio , Ropa de Cama y Ropa Blanca/veterinaria , Vivienda para Animales , Aire/análisis , Animales , Ropa de Cama y Ropa Blanca/microbiología , Recuento de Colonia Microbiana , Polvo , Endotoxinas/análisis , Heces , Hongos/aislamiento & purificación , Ratones , Conejos , Ratas , MaderaRESUMEN
Besides the well known allergens, several other risk factors may exist for health in a laboratory animal unit. The exposure to these factors may be significant in animal units with poor general or local ventilation systems. Moreover, means to prevent the distribution of airborne contaminants may be limited in animal units housing rabbits or other bigger laboratory animals. Airborne contaminants in conventional laboratory rabbit rooms were sought to evaluate the occupational exposure of animal care personnel. Concentrations of airborne dust, bacteria, fungi, ammonia and endotoxins were measured during 2 days in three phases: before working activities began, during them and afterwards. Both stationary and some personal samples were taken. All of the contaminants sought were found in the rabbit room air. When compared to reported levels in farm animal production areas, the concentrations measured were generally low. However, moderate or high levels of airborne bacteria and fungi were found occasionally during work routines. Airborne contaminants should be considered as a potential occupational health risk for persons working with laboratory animals.