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Workplace Biological Risk Assessment: Review of Existing and Description of a Comprehensive Approach. ATMOSPHERE 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos11070741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Biological risks potentially affect workers in multiple occupational sectors through their exposure to pathogenic agents. These risks must be carefully assessed to prevent adverse health effects. This article identifies and critically analyzes approaches that manage the qualitative evaluation of biological risk (EvBR) as part of occupational health and safety prevention, for which no standard method yet exists. Bibliographic and computing references were searched to identify qualitative EvBR approaches, which were then analyzed based on defined criteria, such as the risks studied and the type of assessment. Approaches proposing the most representative types of assessment were analyzed. EvBR approaches in an occupational setting were identified in 32 sources. “Workstation analysis” combined with “assessment by risk level” were the most common approaches. The predominant risk descriptors (RDs) were defined in a characterized and quantifiable way, and a variety of hazard levels and exposure indices were created. Overall, the risk was determined by summing or multiplying the hazard level and exposure indicators. The results confirmed that no methodological consensus currently exists regarding the EvBR and no approach has yet been described that integrates all the parameters to allow for a full assessment of biological risk. Based on the detailed analysis of the existing data, the present paper proposes a general approach.
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Siah KTH, Santosa A, Cheung CKY, Soh AYS, Bigliardi PL. Atopic Patients Who Fulfilled Rome III Criteria for Irritable Bowel Syndrome Had Higher Animal Danders Sensitization. J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2020; 26:267-273. [PMID: 32235034 PMCID: PMC7176502 DOI: 10.5056/jnm19181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims The relationship between animal exposure and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is debated. Epidemiological studies have shown that atopy is more prevalent in IBS patients and vice versa. We set out to examine the association between animal danders sensitization and IBS-like symptoms in atopic patients. Methods We recruited 69 consecutive atopic patients from the allergy clinic of a tertiary hospital. Subjects completed validated bowel questionnaires, underwent skin prick test, blood was collected for serum total immunoglobulin E, and ImmunoCAP immune solid-phase allergen chip (ISAC) IgE multiplex assay. Results Twenty-eight (41.0%) atopic patients fulfilled the Rome III IBS criteria (atopy-IBS). There were no differences in gender, age, pet ownership, total serum IgE, or food allergen sensitization between atopy-IBS group and atopy-non-IBS group. We found that atopy-IBS group had significantly higher number of positive skin prick test for cat dander (64.3% vs 24.4%, P < 0.001), dog dander (64.3% vs 41.5%, P = 0.015) and weed pollens (32.1% vs 14.6%, P = 0.050) compared to atopy-non-IBS group. Out of 112 components from 51 allergen sources (both aeroallergen and food allergens), only Fel d1 (a major cat dander antigen) IgE is significantly higher in atopy-IBS group than atopy-non-IBS group (21.4% vs 2.4%, P = 0.029). Majority of atopy-IBS patients had mixed-type IBS. Conclusions We demonstrated an association between animal danders sensitization, in particular cat dander sensitization, and IBS-like symptoms in atopic patients. Future studies are needed to explore the relationship between aeroallergen and functional gastrointestinal disorders. Sensitization may be related to the pathophysiology of IBS or it could be that we are missing aeroallergen-induced gut allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kewin T H Siah
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medicine Cluster, National University Health System, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Amelia Santosa
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Division of Rheumatology, University Medicine Cluster, National University Health System, Singapore
| | | | - Alex Y S Soh
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medicine Cluster, National University Health System, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Paul L Bigliardi
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Dermato-Allergy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Salvaraji L, Jeffree MS, Avoi R, Akhir HM, Rahim SSSA, Lukman KA. Respiratory Symptoms Among Domestic Waste Collectors. Medeni Med J 2020; 35:304-309. [PMID: 33717622 PMCID: PMC7945730 DOI: 10.5222/mmj.2020.82246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Increasing amount of waste concurrently increases the risk of exposure to hazardous materials among waste collectors. Vigorous exertion in the field intensifies the abundance of contaminated inspirable droplets. If left undetected and untreated, it may provoke significant pernicious health effects and redundant burdens to employees and employers. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and their associated factors among domestic waste collectors. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah between January and April 2020. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire which encompasses details about sociodemographic, health status, environment, and employment characteristics. Results A total of 290 waste collectors with a mean age of 40 (±9) years old were participated in the study. Most of them were from Kadazan-Dusun-Murut ethnic origin with educational background till secondary school. The average monthly income of the workers was USD 298.45 (±171.9) per month, and they had been in service for 11 (±9.04) years. Respiratory symptoms were seen in 21% of the workers. The identified significant risk factors were determined as underlying chronic diseases (OR=2.34; 95% CI=1.054, 5.219) and contact with pets (OR=1.87; 95% CI=1.004, 3.288). Conclusion Respiratory symptoms are prevalent amidst domestic waste collectors and related to their health and field activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loganathan Salvaraji
- Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Community and Family Medicine, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Mohammad Saffree Jeffree
- Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Community and Family Medicine, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Richard Avoi
- Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Community and Family Medicine, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Hazelina Mohd Akhir
- Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Community and Family Medicine, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Syed Sharizman Syed Abdul Rahim
- Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Community and Family Medicine, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Khamisah Awang Lukman
- Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Center for Occupational Safety and Health, Sabah, Malaysia
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Park BW, Park JY, Cho EB, Park EJ, Kim KH, Kim KJ. Increasing Prevalence of the Sensitization to Cat/Dog Allergens in Korea. Ann Dermatol 2018; 30:662-667. [PMID: 33911505 PMCID: PMC7992440 DOI: 10.5021/ad.2018.30.6.662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recently, the number of domestic pets has increased. As a consequence, sensitization to animal allergens, such as cat or dog allergens, has become a problem. Objective We studied the annual trends of sensitization to cats or dogs, and the characteristics of the patients. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 7,469 patients who visited a dermatology clinic and underwent an allergic profile test, from January 2011 to December 2015. Specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels to cat or dog antibody greater than 3.50 IU/ml were regarded as positive results. Results In all, 274 patients showed significant increase in levels of specific IgE antibody to dog, and 307 revealed increase in levels of of specific IgE antibody to cat. The prevalence of these specific IgEs increased from 2011 to 2015. Independent risks for sensitization to cat allergens were sensitization to dog, but not to house dust, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, and D. farinae. Independent risks for sensitization to dog allergens were sensitization to cat, but not to house dust, D. pteronyssinus, and D. farinae. Total IgE level was not related to specific IgE level against either cats or dogs. Conclusion In conclusion, the prevalence of sensitization to cat or dog has increased. Sensitization to cat or dog is related to each other, but is irrelevant to the total IgE level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bok Won Park
- Department of Dermatology, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Anyang, Korea
| | - Jun Yeong Park
- Department of Dermatology, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Anyang, Korea
| | - Eun Byul Cho
- Department of Dermatology, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Anyang, Korea
| | - Eun Joo Park
- Department of Dermatology, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Anyang, Korea
| | - Kwang Ho Kim
- Department of Dermatology, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Anyang, Korea
| | - Kwang Joong Kim
- Department of Dermatology, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Anyang, Korea
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review explores animal allergen exposure in research laboratories and other work settings, focusing on causes and prevention. RECENT FINDINGS (1) Consistent with the hygiene hypothesis, there is new evidence that early childhood exposure to pets produces changes in the gut microbiome that likely lead to a lower risk of allergy. (2) Anaphylaxis from laboratory animal bites occurs more frequently than suggested by prior literature. (3) Animal allergens represent an occupational hazard in a wide variety of work settings ranging from fields that work with animals to public settings like schools and public transportation where allergens are brought into or are present in the workplace. Exposure to animal allergens can result in allergy, asthma, and anaphylaxis. Animal allergy has been most studied in the research laboratory setting, where exposure reduction can prevent the development of allergy. Similar prevention approaches need to be considered for other animal work environments and in all settings where animal allergens are present.
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Gemicioglu B, Musellim B, Dogan I, Guven K. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNo) in different asthma phenotypes. ALLERGY & RHINOLOGY 2015; 5:157-61. [PMID: 25565052 PMCID: PMC4275462 DOI: 10.2500/ar.2014.5.0099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Fractioned exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is a noninvasive marker of inflammation in asthmatic patients. FeNO can be used to monitor airway inflammation, but individual responses make tailored interventions based on FeNO difficult. The correlation between the asthma control test (ACT), FEV1, and FeNO was evaluated in this study to ascertain the correct usage of FeNO with different asthma phenotypes regarding their control, allergy, comorbidity, obesity, age, smoking status, and severity. ACT, pulmonary function, and FeNO in 416 asthmatic patients on combined therapy were retrospective evaluated. Correlations between these parameters and the FeNO levels in different asthma phenotypes were calculated. In the study population, FeNO was 31.8 ± 28.5 parts per billion (ppb), FEV1 was 83.4 ± 19% and ACT was 19 ± 5.2. ACT scores were negatively correlated with FeNO (r = -0.31; p = 0.002). FeNO was different in patients with positive and negative skin-prick test (p < 0.05), with and without allergic rhinitis (p < 0.01), and with and without allergic conjunctivitis (p < 0.01). Significantly higher FeNO levels were found with logistic regression analysis only in patients with a history of emergency room visits (ERVs) (p = 0.024). The rate of the ERV of the patients with an ACT score more than or equal to 20 and with a FeNO value of more than 35 ppb was 22.9%, but with a FeNO value of less than 35 ppb was 6.5% (p = 0.004). Allergy and allergic comorbidities may lead to an increase in FeNO levels. Patients with a history of ERV have markedly higher FeNO levels, although they have an ACT score more than or equal to 20.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilun Gemicioglu
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Liccardi G, Steinhilber G, Meriggi A, Sapio C, D'Amato G. Sensitization to pets in pet shop workers. Occup Med (Lond) 2014; 64:470-1. [PMID: 25146054 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqu077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gennaro Liccardi
- Department of Chest Diseases, Division of Pneumology and Allergology, High Speciality 'A.Cardarelli' Hospital, Naples, Italy Division of Pneumology, Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy Allergy and Immunology Unit, Fondazione 'Salvatore Maugeri', Institute of Research and Care, Scientific Institute, Pavia, Italy Consultant in Preventive Medicine, 'Federico II' University, Naples, Italy Department of Chest Diseases, Division of Pneumology and Allergology, High Speciality 'A.Cardarelli' Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Gundi Steinhilber
- Department of Chest Diseases, Division of Pneumology and Allergology, High Speciality 'A.Cardarelli' Hospital, Naples, Italy Division of Pneumology, Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy Allergy and Immunology Unit, Fondazione 'Salvatore Maugeri', Institute of Research and Care, Scientific Institute, Pavia, Italy Consultant in Preventive Medicine, 'Federico II' University, Naples, Italy Department of Chest Diseases, Division of Pneumology and Allergology, High Speciality 'A.Cardarelli' Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Meriggi
- Department of Chest Diseases, Division of Pneumology and Allergology, High Speciality 'A.Cardarelli' Hospital, Naples, Italy Division of Pneumology, Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy Allergy and Immunology Unit, Fondazione 'Salvatore Maugeri', Institute of Research and Care, Scientific Institute, Pavia, Italy Consultant in Preventive Medicine, 'Federico II' University, Naples, Italy Department of Chest Diseases, Division of Pneumology and Allergology, High Speciality 'A.Cardarelli' Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmine Sapio
- Department of Chest Diseases, Division of Pneumology and Allergology, High Speciality 'A.Cardarelli' Hospital, Naples, Italy Division of Pneumology, Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy Allergy and Immunology Unit, Fondazione 'Salvatore Maugeri', Institute of Research and Care, Scientific Institute, Pavia, Italy Consultant in Preventive Medicine, 'Federico II' University, Naples, Italy Department of Chest Diseases, Division of Pneumology and Allergology, High Speciality 'A.Cardarelli' Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro D'Amato
- Department of Chest Diseases, Division of Pneumology and Allergology, High Speciality 'A.Cardarelli' Hospital, Naples, Italy Division of Pneumology, Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy Allergy and Immunology Unit, Fondazione 'Salvatore Maugeri', Institute of Research and Care, Scientific Institute, Pavia, Italy Consultant in Preventive Medicine, 'Federico II' University, Naples, Italy Department of Chest Diseases, Division of Pneumology and Allergology, High Speciality 'A.Cardarelli' Hospital, Naples, Italy
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