List of respiratory sensitisers
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I have a patient who feels that he has occupational asthma and he has sent me a list of 50 compounds that he is in contact with at work (mostly perfumes). His employers have agreed to send me datasheets of the ones I ask for. Is there a list of sensitizers that I could compare with the chemicals to get the relevant datasheets.
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Perfumes and asthma are very complicated. There are a large number of biologically active components in most perfumes, as well as many chemicals and preservatives. The dermatologists are much better at perfumes than chest physicians. I think it is likely that anything which can cause dermatitis can also cause asthma if inhaled, and perfumes are meant to be inhaled. I will do some research and come back with a list later.
Initial search of Asmapro has shown that Vanillin is a possible sensitiser. I have seen individuals sensitised to isothiozolinones and glutaraldehyde which are both used as perfume preservatives, other aldehydes are also used.
Can anybody else help?
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Your list contained several biocides including benzalkonium chloride and chlorhexidine, both possible sensitisers. None of the fragrances are identified in a way that makes them unique or identifies their contents. I think the dyes are unlikely causes of asthma in the context of perfumes, as they are unlikely to be inhaled in an unreacted form. Many of the constituents are listed in code or unhelpful initials. The only thing to do is to ask for details if you want to pursue this. Some of the commoner perfume constituents causing contact dermatitis include jasmine synthate, cinnamic alcohol, hydroxycitronellal, oil of citronella and balsam of Peru.
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