JOEM: Prevention of Laboratory Animal Allergy (June 2023)-JOEM: Prevention of Laboratory Animal Allergy (June 2023)

JOEM: Prevention of Laboratory Animal Allergy (June 2023)

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A national survey conducted in the United States provides a 10-year update on laboratory animal allergy (LAA) prevention programs and the impact of COVID-19 on prevention practices. The survey was emailed to designated institutional officials at laboratory animal facilities, and 141 institutions employing 58,224 laboratory animal workers responded. The results showed that there is still wide variation in LAA prevention practices, with inconsistent use of preventive approaches across institutions. While medical surveillance increased and some engineering controls were utilized more frequently, the use of N95 respirators decreased. Only 25% of institutions knew their LAA incidence and prevalence rates. COVID-19 had a small, time-limited effect on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). <br /><br />The prevention of LAA is crucial as it is a common and potentially debilitating occupational disease. Animal allergens can cause dermal and respiratory allergies, asthma, and anaphylaxis. The survey highlights the need for universal use of evidence-based practices and improved medical surveillance to provide greater worker protection from LAA. The variation in prevention practices and the lack of significant progress in worker protection may be due to individual and institutional preferences, the lack of an official LAA prevention regulation, and the limited awareness of incidence and prevalence rates. Efforts should focus on reducing allergen exposure through administrative, engineering, and work practice controls, along with the appropriate use of PPE. Additionally, medical surveillance and tracking of LAA incidence and prevalence rates are essential for evaluating and improving prevention programs.

Keywords

national survey

laboratory animal allergy

LAA prevention programs

COVID-19 impact

prevention practices

medical surveillance

engineering controls

N95 respirators

incidence rates

prevalence rates