Allergic or irritative symptoms in laboratory preparation and laboratory animal workers in a research Institute

Objectives. Laboratory workers in the research sector are exposed to cleaning products, chemicals and latex; in addition to these exposures, animal laboratory workers are also exposed to allergens from laboratory animals. These exposures can lead to respiratory, ENT, ocular or skin symptoms, due to allergic or irritative underlying mechanisms. This study tends to assess the prevalence of these symptoms, to look for the presence of specific immunoglobulins E (IgE) against these allergens and to describe the associated occupational factors.
Methods. Workers at a research Institute (n=131, among which 49 % are exposed to laboratory animals) answered medical and occupational questionnaires about the tasks they do. Specific IgE against aeroallergens (Phadiatop®), laboratory animals allergens, latex and quaternary ammonium (QA) were dosed. Spirometries (flow-volume curves) were realized and exhaled nitric oxide measured.
Results. Seventy two workers (55 %) reported at least one symptom given rhythm by work, doing tasks such as manipulating animals or products or while wearing latex gloves. Thirteen workers (21 % among those 63 who had such a dosage) had specific IgE against at least one allergen from a laboratory animal. Specific IgE prevalences against latex on one hand and QA on the other hand were found to be the same: 4 % (n=5). Workers are exposed to several nuisances (detergents/disinfectants, culture media products and animals), which induce concomitant allergic or irritative effects.
Conclusion. Taking these observations into account, a prevention program has been implemented to substitute, when possible, some of the chemicals, to reduce exposure levels to allergens and irritants, and to improve the use of personal protection equipment as well as the compliance of the use of detergents/disinfectants and culture media products.