Share thisPhotocatalytic technology developed for aerospace can reduce occupational exposure to laboratory animal aeroallergens.
Air quality in laboratories is important to the welfare of the animals, human health and safety, and scientific research. Airborne contaminants that may commonly affect air quality in the laboratory include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), airborne microorganisms, and laboratory animal aeroallergens. This article describes an application of a method developed by The American National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA) — photocatalytic technology — that has been demonstrated to have excellent remedial potential for laboratory animal facilities in research and the pharmaceutical industry by reducing occupational exposure to laboratory animal aeroallergens.
Thirty percent of persons who are exposed to laboratory animals may develop a permanent allergy (LAA); some of these persons will also develop occupational asthma. Although LAA is more likely to occur in people with previously known allergies, it is not known if an individual will be susceptible until he or she has prolonged exposure in the working environment over a period of weeks, months, or years.
Animal allergens are protein molecules that, as the name suggests, are allergenic in some humans. An allergic reaction may develop when susceptible individuals are exposed to allergens produced by laboratory animals. These forms of allergy are most associated with exposure to fur, saliva, and urine of rats, mice, guinea pigs, and rabbits. The allergens that cause allergy from laboratory animals are potent. Exposure to just one millionth of a gram of animal allergens may trigger such symptoms. Because animal allergens cause symptoms at such low concentrations, and so quickly, only complete avoidance of the allergens is an effective measure for the prevention of symptoms. Other methods of protection are limited in both their availability and effectiveness. Animal allergens are so sticky that they may be carried on an exposed person’s hair or clothing. In so doing, non-exposed co-workers or family members may be sensitised to the allergens and develop allergies.
Feeding the animals or cleaning the cages can generate ten times the amount of airborne allergens relative to undisturbed conditions. Handling or injection of animals may generate six times the airborne allergens.