ALLERGIC REACTIONS TO WORKPLACE ALLERGENS

Allergic sensitization to workplace allergens can result in occupation al asthma (OA), rhinitis, and dermatoses. Occupational asthma, account ing for 2% to 15% of all new cases of asthma, is caused by more than 2 40 reactive chemicals or natural proteins. Diisocyanates, used in uret hane production and spray painting, are the leading causes of OA. Occu pational asthma must be objectively confirmed by demonstrating signifi cant decreases in lung function associated with exposure to a causativ e agent. An early diagnosis of OA followed by elimination of exposure to a causative agent may be curative and prevent progression to chroni c asthma. In the last decade, protein allergens in natural rubber late x gloves have emerged as the leading cause of work-related cutaneous a nd respiratory allergic disorders in health care workers. In the workp lace, occupational allergic contact dermatitis is almost always caused by chemicals, including nickel, chromates, and epoxy resins, whereas contact urticarial reactions are most often due to protein allergens. The primary treatment of occupational allergic disorders is strict avo idance of exposure to the inciting agent.