From workplace to home environment: spreading of mouse allergens by laboratory animal workers

PURPOSE Laboratory animal workers (LAW) working with laboratory mice are exposed to mouse allergens (MA). If MA are spread to home environments, this might increase the risk for allergies in LAW and their families. This study aimed to assess 1. whether spreading of MA from workplace to home environment takes place; 2. which factors increase spreading of MA. METHODS In a cross-sectional study, dust samples were taken on the mattress and seating in homes of LAW (n = 105) and an unexposed comparison group (n = 13). From 89 LAW, additional dust samples were taken from their workplaces. Samples were analysed using Mus m1 ELISA kits detection limit (DL) 0.2~ng mus m1/ml. Sociodemographic data, personal history of allergies and cleaning habits, as well as work-related characteristics (LAW only) were assessed by questionnaire. Latent factors were assessed via factor analysis. Tobit models were fitted to analyse the latent factors' contribution to MA spreading. RESULTS MA concentration on the seating was significantly higher in home environments of LAW (median = 1.28~ng mus m1/m2) than in the comparison group (median < DL, p = 0.019). The highest workplace MA concentration was found on the floor of the scullery (median = 140,000.00~ng mus m1/m2), followed by hair-covering caps (median = 76.02~ng mus m1/m2). Cage and mouse facility cleaning tasks and infrequent changing of bed linen at home were statistically significantly associated with higher MA concentrations at home. CONCLUSIONS Spreading of MA from LAW's workplace to their home environment takes place, especially among LAWs involved in cleaning tasks

Development of a Sandwich ELISA to Measure Exposure to Occupational Cow Hair Allergens

Background: Cow hair and dander are important inducers of occupational allergies in cattle-exposed farmers. To estimate allergen exposure in farming environments, a sensitive enzyme immunoassay was developed to measure cow hair allergens. Methods: A sandwich ELISA was developed using polyclonal rabbit antibodies against a mixture of hair extracts from different cattle breeds. To assess the specificity of the assay, extracts from other mammalian epithelia, mites, molds and grains were tested. To validate the new assay, cow hair allergens were measured in passive airborne dust samples from the stables and homes of farmers. Dust was collected with electrostatic dust fall collectors (EDCs). Results: The sandwich ELISA was found to be very sensitive (detection limit: 0.1 ng/ml) and highly reproducible, demonstrating intra-and interassay coefficients of variation of 4 and 10%, respectively. The assay showed no reactivity with mites, molds and grains, but some cross-reactivity with other mammalian epithelia, with the strongest reaction with goat. Using EDCs for dust sampling, high concentrations of bovine allergens were measured in cow stables (4,760-559,400 mu g/m(2)). In addition, bovine allergens were detected in all areas of cattle farmer dwellings. A large variation was found between individual samples (0.3-900 mu g/m(2)) and significantly higher values were discovered in changing rooms. Conclusion: The ELISA developed for the detection of cow hair proteins is a useful tool for allergen quantification in occupational and home environments. Based on its low detection limit, this test is sensitive enough to detect allergens in passive airborne dust. Copyright (C) 2011 S. Karger AG, Base

Asthma in changing environments - chances and challenges of international research collaborations between South America and Europe - study protocol and description of the data acquisition of a case-control-study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Asthma in children is an emerging public health problem in South America. So far, research in this part of the world is limited. This paper presents the methodology and description of the data acquisition of an asthma case-control study conducted in the Central South of Chile.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>A hospital-based case-control study about asthma (188 cases, 294 controls) in children (6-15 years) was carried out in Valdivia, Chile between November 2008 and December 2009. Data on asthma risk factors were collected by computer-assisted personal interview using validated questions from e.g. ISAAC phase II. Data on household dust exposure (endotoxin, allergen analyses), skin prick tests to most common allergens, stool examinations for parasitic infection, and blood samples (total IgE, genetics) were collected. Additionally, 492 randomly chosen blood donors were recruited in order to assess allele frequencies in the population of Valdivia.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>Overall 1,173 participants were contacted. Response was 82% among cases and 65% among controls. Atopic sensitization was high (78% among cases, 47% among controls). Cases had a statistically significantly (p < .0001) increased self-reported 12-month prevalence of symptoms of rhinitis (82% vs. 51%) and wheeze (68% vs. 16%). The study is well placed to address current hypotheses about asthma and its correlates in the South American context. Results of this study might help develop novel, innovative and individualized prevention strategies in countries in transition with respect to the South American context.</p

Environmental and Product Contamination during the Preparation of Antineoplastic Drugs with Robotic Systems

Robotic systems are designed to minimize the exposure to antineoplastic drugs during automated preparation. However, contamination cannot be completely excluded. The aim of the study was to evaluate the contamination with antineoplastic drugs on the working surfaces and on the outer surface of the ready-to-use products (infusion bags and syringes) during automated preparation with different versions of a robot and manual preparation

Testing Local Conditions for the Introduction of a Mercury-free Gold Extraction Method using Borax in Zimbabwe

Background. Mercury is extensively used in artisanal small-scale gold mining in many parts of the world, including Zimbabwe. Mercury-free mining technologies are urgently needed to protect the biophysical environment and human health. Objective. The testing of local conditions for the introduction of a mercury-free gold mining technology entailing the use of borax in a field project in Kadoma/Zimbabwe. Materials and Methods. A one-day theoretical workshop and a two-day practical demonstration were conducted in Kadoma/Zimbabwe in December 2013. The willingness of the miners to change to another gold extraction technology other than mercury amalgamation, the local availability of appropriate materials and equipment, and the suitability of the ore for applying the borax technology for gold smelting were used as variables to test local conditions for introducing the borax method. Simple methods like trial and error and the collection of indices during discussions and observations were applied. Results. 1.11 grams of gold from half a ton of ore was the result of the demonstration. A number of potential improvements to the process were identified. A total of 50 invited local stakeholders took part in the theoretical workshop, and 30 to 40 decided immediately to also participate in field demonstrations. The project team noticed that the local miners were interested and impressed by catching very fine gold particles with the borax method. Conclusions. The project confirmed that the local conditions in Kadoma are appropriate for mining mercury-free gold. The optimization and comprehensive introduction of the borax method in the Kadoma gold mining region is recommended to eliminate the use of mercury. Competing Interests. The authors declare no competing financial interests