Controlling occupational allergies in the workplace.
OBJECTIVE
In recent years, the prevalence of work-related asthma has increased. Therefore, more attention needs to be paid to occupational allergens and their avoidance and control in workplaces. However, risk assessment of occupational allergen exposure is difficult because the relationship between exposure concentration, sensitization, and symptoms has not been fully established. This paper introduces a systematic and comprehensive approach to assessing and managing allergen risks at workplaces.


METHODS
This approach relies on the cooperation and active communication during the whole process between management, employees, and health care personnel, with the assistance of experts when needed. In addition to gathering background information, including allergic symptoms, through questionnaires addressed to the management and employees, hazard identification is also processed in the workplace through observations and measurements. The methods generally recommended to reduce allergen exposure are compared with those used in the workplace. The process is to be carefully planned and documented to allow later follow-up and re-evaluation.


RESULTS
The multi-faceted approach encompasses several risk assessment techniques, and reveals the prevalence of work-related allergic symptoms. The process effectively focuses on the potential means for controlling allergen exposure.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on this approach, the synopsis on the critical points that require implementation of effective control measures can be presented.
Korpi
Anne
A
Department of Environmental Science, University of Kuopio, Kuopio, Finland.
Lappalainen
Sanna
S
Kaliste
Eila
E
Kalliokoski
Pentti
P
Reijula
Kari
K
Pasanen
Anna-Liisa
AL
D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D001249:Asthma / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D062665:Epidemiological Monitoring; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019570:Inhalation Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000517:prevention & control; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D019370:Observation; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000517:prevention & control*; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D015995:Prevalence; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D012449:Safety; D017751:Safety Management / Q000379:methods; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000485:Allergens; D052638:Particulate Matter