title: Prevention of laboratory animal allergy in the United States: a national survey.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Respiratory allergy to laboratory animals is a common and preventable occupational health problem. This study documents current laboratory animal allergy (LAA) prevention programs in the United States.
  
  
  METHODS
  An online survey was e-mailed to designated institutional officials at laboratory animal facilities identified by the National Institutes of Health Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 198 organizations responded and more than 80% required the use of uniforms and gloves to control exposure. Respirators were required by 25% of organizations. Medical surveillance was mandated by 58% of organizations (70% for organizations with at least 100 employees working with animals). Work restriction practices varied. Only 25% of organizations reported knowing the prevalence (range: 0% to 75%) and 29% reported knowing the incidence of LAA (range: 0% to 18%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is broad variation in policy and practice to prevent LAA. An evidence-based consensus would ensure greater protection of workers.
authors.affiliation: Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Community and Family Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
authors.forename: Gregg M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Stave
authors.forename: Dennis J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Darcey
mesh_terms: D000047:Academies and Institutes / Q000458:organization & administration; D000818:Animals; D000830:Animals, Laboratory / Q000276:immunology*; D059366:Asthma, Occupational / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D035843:Biomedical Research; D004345:Drug Industry / Q000458:organization & administration; D017575:Gloves, Protective / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016134:Organizational Policy; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012134:Respiratory Protective Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014495:Universities / Q000458:organization & administration; D014691:Ventilation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data