20 Apr 09 POTENTIAL ALLERGENS: INDUSTRIAL FUMES, DUST OR OTHER AIRBORNE PARTICLES IN THE WORKPLACE

Dust in factories manufacturing antibiotics is often implicated, and may lead to sensitivity to the same antibiotic taken by mouth, whether as a drug or in food. Similar problems affect insulin production.

Fumes released during the manufacture of plastics, polyurethane foam, varnishes, paints, adhesives, and synthetic fabrics may act either as allergens (when combined with a protein in the body) or as irritants. Isocyanates and phthalic anhydride are common offenders. Fumes released when plastics are heated or burned are also potential triggers. Phenylene diamine, used in the fur industry, and piperazine, a drug used to kill parasites, are other common causes of asthma. Enzyme manufacture, soldering (especially of electronic components), textile dyeing, beauty care and hairdressing are other high-risk occupations. The disease may begin soon after the first exposure, or it may take several months or years to appear – over a decade in some cases. The attacks may be delayed and not occur until the evening, when the patient is at home. Symptoms may clear up at weekends but not in everyone. Once someone has become sensitized, very small amounts – carried on the clothing of another person for example – may be sufficient to trigger an attack.

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