Risk of enzyme allergy in the detergent industry

Objectives-To assess the prevalence of enzyme sensitisation in the detergen t industry. Methods-A cross sectional study was conducted in a detergent factory. Sensi tisation to enzymes was examined by skin prick and radioallergosorbent (RAS T) tests. 76 Workers were tested; 40 in manufacturing, packing, and mainten ance, and 36 non-exposed people in management and sales departments. The wo rkers were interviewed for work related respiratory and skin symptoms. Tota l dust concentrations were measured by a gravimetric method, and the concen tration of protease in air by a catalytic method. Results-Nine workers (22%) were sensitised to enzymes in the exposed group of 40, whereas none were sensitised in the non-exposed group. All the sensi tised people had symptoms at work; all had rhinitis and one had asthma. Pro tease concentrations were generally <20 ng/m(3), but occasional peak values up to 80 ng/m(3) were detected in the packing and maintenance tasks, and h igh values of >1 mu g/m(3) in the mixing area. Conclusion-Despite the use of encapsulated enzyme preparations, high enzyme concentrations in workplace air are possible, resulting in a higher risk o f sensitisation than expected.