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Occupational Respiratory Allergic Diseases in Healthcare Workers

  • Occupational Allergies (JA Poole, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are exposed to a range of high and low molecular weight agents that are allergic sensitizers or irritants including cleaners and disinfectants, natural rubber latex, and various medications. Studies have shown that exposed HCWs are at risk for work-related rhinitis and asthma (WRA). Work-related rhinitis may precede development of WRA and should be considered as an early marker of WRA. Avoidance of causative exposures through control strategies such as elimination, substitution, engineering controls, and process modification is the preferred primary prevention strategy for preventing development of work-related allergic diseases. There is limited evidence for the effectiveness of respirators in preventing occupational asthma. If sensitizer-induced WRA is diagnosed, it is important to avoid further exposure to the causative agent, preferably by more rigorous application of exposure control strategies to the workplace. This review focuses on allergic occupational respiratory diseases in HCWs.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Mr. Jim Boiano and Dr. Paul K. Henneberger, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, for their helpful comments.

Disclaimer

The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Mention of company names or products does not constitute endorsement by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

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  1. Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mailstop HG 900.2, 1095 Willowdale Rd., Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA

    Jacek M. Mazurek & David N. Weissman

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Mazurek, J.M., Weissman, D.N. Occupational Respiratory Allergic Diseases in Healthcare Workers. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 16, 77 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-016-0657-y

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