Occupational immediate-type asthma and rhinitis due to rhodium salts.
BACKGROUND
Whereas platinum salts are well known occupational allergens, rhodium salts have not been identified as inhalative sensitizing substances.


METHODS
A 27-year-old atopic operator of an electroplating plant developed work-related shortness of breath and runny nose with sneezing after exposure to rhodium salts. Quantitative skin prick tests (SPT) and bronchial challenge tests with a dosimeter protocol were performed with quadrupling doses of the sodium chloride salts of rhodium (Na(3)RhCl(6)) and platinum (Na(2)PtCl(6)).


RESULTS
The patient showed positive SPT reactions and positive bronchial immediate-type reactions with rhodium and platinum salts. Sensitivity to rhodium salt was much higher than to platinum salt; the molar concentrations differed by a factor of 256 in SPT and a factor of 16 in bronchial challenges.


CONCLUSIONS
Rhodium salts should be considered as occupational immediate-type allergens.
Merget
Rolf
R
Research Institute of Occupational Medicine, German Social Accident Insurance (BGFA), Ruhr University, Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, Bochum, Germany. merget@bgfa.de
Sander
Ingrid
I
van Kampen
Vera
V
Raulf-Heimsoth
Monika
M
Ulmer
Hans-Martin
HM
Kulzer
Rupprecht
R
Bruening
Thomas
T
D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004595:Electroplating; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007428:Intradermal Tests; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010984:Platinum / Q000633:toxicity; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D012238:Rhodium / Q000633:toxicity*
D010984:Platinum; D012238:Rhodium