Airborne food allergen and aeroallergen levels in healthcare settings: an unaccounted but potentially relevant source of exposure?

Leal, M.; Paciência, I.; Farraia, M.; Cavaleiro Rufo, J.; Castro Mendes, F.; Delgado, L.; Viegas, Carla; Moreira, A.

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.21/12200

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Abstract(s)

Background: Exposure to airborne allergens of biological origin associates with the development and exacerbation of allergic asthma and rhinitis. Assessment of allergens' exposure in healthcare facilities may contribute to monitor hygiene and survey specific allergens which may cause symptoms in sensitized subjects. Objective: To assess the concentration of indoor and airborne food allergens across different healthcare settings. Methods: Dust was vacuumed from primary health care centers in Lisbon; and emergency unit, day hospital, internal medicine ward, operating room, and the outpatient clinic of a university central hospital in Porto. Samples were sieved, weighed, extracted and concentrations of Nbos d 5, Cor a 9, Gal d 2, Ara h 3, Ara h 6, Der p 1, Fel d 1, Can f 1, Bla g 2, Alt a 1, and Phl p 5 were determined using a multiplex array for allergens (MARIA™). Results: All airborne food and aeroallergens were found at least in one sampled area, except for Alt a 1. Levels of Der p 1 and Fel d 1 ranged from 13.0 µg/g to 971.0 µg/g and from 7.0 µg/g to 4618.8 µg/g, respectively. The emergency unit revealed the higher levels of food allergens, namely Nbos d 5 (16034.0 µg/g) and Cor a 9 (10649.5 µg/g). Conclusions: With the exception of the operating room, exposure levels of dust mite, cat and dog allergens in healthcare facilities were above the values associated with sensitization and occurrence of allergic asthma or rhinitis symptoms in sensitized subjects.

Description

Project EXPOsE. Project nº 23222 (02/SAICT/2016).
Project EXALAR. Project nº 30193 (02/SAICT/2017).

Keywords

Occupational health Occupational exposure Airborne food allergens Allergic disease Healthcare center Aeroallergens Indoor exposure Project nº 23222 (02/SAICT/2016) Project nº 30193 (02/SAICT/2017)

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.21/12200

Citation

Leal M, Paciência I, Farraia M, Cavaleiro Rufo J, Castro Mendes F, Viegas C, et al. Airborne food allergen and aeroallergen levels in healthcare settings: an unaccounted but potentially relevant source of exposure? J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2021;31(5):426-32.