Wearing RPE associated with less laboratory animal allergy

A survey of UK laboratory animal workers conducted between 1999 and 2001 assessed the type of RPE used when first exposed to animals and at the time of the survey. Sensitization to rat urinary proteins was assessed using skin-prick tests and assays of specific serum IgE antibodies.Those more recently employed were more likely to have used RPE. In employees with <5 years of exposure the use of face masks at first employment was associated with a lower prevalence of sensitization, irrespective of the intensity of exposure to laboratory animals. This reduction was significant only in those who entered the animal house daily.

References

	Jones, M., Schofield, S., Jeal, H., Cullinan, P., Respiratory protective equipment reduces occurrence of sensitization to laboratory animals, Occup Med, 2014;64:104-108,

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