Acton Debra, McCauley Linda
Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, PA, USA.
AAOHN J. 2007 Jun;55(6):241-4. doi: 10.1177/216507990705500604.
Laboratory animal allergy is a relatively common work-related condition occurring in an estimated one-third of laboratory animal workers. More than 10% of these workers develop occupational asthma. Sensitization often occurs in the first 3 years of employment. Risk factors include a personal or family history of atopy, other preexisting non-work-related allergies, and a significant exposure to laboratory animals. Inhalation is the most common route of exposure, followed by skin and eye exposures. Preplacement testing and regular health surveillance screening may be used by institutions employing laboratory animal workers to identify, monitor, and prevent allergies and disease in these workers. Intervention and prevention techniques (i.e., engineering, administrative, and work practice controls and personal protective equipment) are key to controlling and preventing allergy symptoms and occupational asthma. Occupational health professionals play an important role in the early identification of at-risk and affected employees, and can render the necessary treatment, referrals, education, and recommendations to prevent debilitating illness.
实验动物过敏是一种相对常见的与工作相关的病症，估计有三分之一的实验动物工作人员会出现这种情况。其中超过10%的工作人员会患上职业性哮喘。致敏通常发生在就业后的头3年。风险因素包括个人或家族过敏史、其他已有的非工作相关过敏以及大量接触实验动物。吸入是最常见的接触途径，其次是皮肤和眼睛接触。雇用实验动物工作人员的机构可采用上岗前测试和定期健康监测筛查来识别、监测和预防这些工作人员的过敏和疾病。干预和预防技术（即工程控制、行政控制、工作实践控制和个人防护设备）是控制和预防过敏症状及职业性哮喘的关键。职业健康专业人员在早期识别高危和受影响员工方面发挥着重要作用，并可为预防使人衰弱的疾病提供必要的治疗、转诊、教育和建议。
