title: Laboratory animals and respiratory allergies: the prevalence of allergies among laboratory animal workers and the need for prophylaxis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Subjects exposed to laboratory animals are at a heightened risk of developing respiratory and allergic diseases. These diseases can be prevented by simple measures such as the use of personal protective equipment. We report here the primary findings of the Laboratory Animals and Respiratory Allergies Study regarding the prevalence of allergic diseases among laboratory animal workers, the routine use of preventive measures in laboratories and animal facilities, and the need for prevention programs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Animal handlers and non-animal handlers from 2 Brazilian universities (University of São Paulo and State University of Campinas) answered specific questionnaires to assess work conditions and symptoms. These subjects also underwent spirometry, a bronchial challenge test with mannitol, and skin prick tests for 11 common allergens and 5 occupational allergens (rat, mouse, guinea pig, hamster, and rabbit).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four hundred fifty-five animal handlers (32±10 years old [mean±SD], 209 men) and 387 non-animal handlers (33±11 years old, 121 men) were evaluated. Sensitization to occupational allergens was higher among animal handlers (16%) than non-animal handlers (3%, p<0.01). Accessibility to personal protective equipment was measured at 85% (median, considering 73 workplaces of the animal handler group). Nineteen percent of the animal handlers indicated that they wear a respirator at all times while handling animals or working in the animal room, and only 25% of the animal handlers had received an orientation about animal-induced allergies, asthma, or rhinitis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In conclusion, our data indicate that preventive programs are necessary. We suggest providing individual advice to workers associated with institutional programs to promote a safer work environment.
authors.affiliation: University of São Paulo, Department of Medicine, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto/SP, Brasil.
authors.forename: Erica
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ferraz
authors.forename: Luisa Karla de Paula
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Arruda
authors.forename: Ericson
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bagatin
authors.forename: Edson Z
authors.initials: EZ
authors.lastname: Martinez
authors.forename: Andrea A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Cetlin
authors.forename: Christian S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Simoneti
authors.forename: Amanda S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Freitas
authors.forename: José A B
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Martinez
authors.forename: Marcos C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Borges
authors.forename: Elcio O
authors.initials: EO
authors.lastname: Vianna
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017750:Animal Technicians; D000818:Animals; D000830:Animals, Laboratory; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011482:Protective Devices; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors; D012882:Skin Tests; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult