Prevention of Work-related Asthma: Study Search Results

Study Details

Prevention Level	Primary
Author	Fisher
Study Year	1998
Country	USA
Molecular Weight of Agent	HMW
Category	Animal-derived antigens
Agent	Laboratory animal allergen
Occupation	Laboratory animal handlers
Outcome/Diagnosis	Laboratory animal allergy (LAA)
Activity Intervention	Comprehensive program to reduce exposure to environmental allergens (1991): education and training (annual); administrative controls; the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including mandatory use of respiratory protection; medical surveillance consisting of symptom assessment (annual); RAST testing for animal allergens (annual). Administrative controls included: control of animal-stock density and instituting wet-shaving techniques. Engineering controls included: filter topped cages, high-efficiency particulate air filtered room ventilation, increased room air exchanges, use of dust-free bedding, and routine housekeeping. Questionnaire examined exposure and symptom history.
Participation Rate	All employees who worked with laboratory animal(s) at least once a week were included in the study. Data was collected from 159 employees during the study period. Limitation: no report of participation rate
Intervention Effectiveness	After instituting program, incidence of LAA was reduced from 10% in 1992 to 0% in 1995. PPE usage increased over time due to comprehensive education program.