RISK ASSESSMENT OF AIRBORNE ALLERGENS - AN EXAMPLE OF THE EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT PROTOCOL FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL ALLERGENS

摘要

Risk assessment of allergen exposure is difficult because the relationship between exposure concentration,sensitisation, and symptoms has not been fully established. Laboratory animal allergens belong to important occupational health risk factors; 10-32 % of those working with laboratory animals develop allergic diseases. This paper introduces a comprehensive assessment protocol established for the evaluation of the risk due to exposure to laboratory animal allergens. The protocol includes questionnaires to the management and employees, hazard identification (i.e., observation and measurements in the workplace), and a summary of generally recommended methods to reduce allergen exposure. Based on these, the synopsis on the critical points needing implementation of effective control measures is then presented. The protocol encompasses several elements applicable to risk assessment of allergens generally, and, therefore, it can be applied wider in risk assessment than merely for laboratory animal allergens.