Occupational Mouse Allergen Exposure Among Non-Mouse Handlers

This studs assessed mouse allergen exposure 01 rosy a range of Jobs, non mouse handling Jobs at a mouse Baseline data from 220 nest employees enrolled in the Jackson Laboratory (JAXCohort) were analyzed The baseline assessment included a questionnaire allergy skin testing and spirometrs Exposure assessments consisted of collection of two fall shift breathing zone air samples during a 1-week period Air sample v ss ere analyzed for mouse allergen content and the mean concentration of the two shifts represented mouse allergen exposure for that employee The mean age of the 220 participants was 33 years Ten percent reported current asthma and 56% were atopic Thirty eight percent were animal care takers 20% scientists 20% administrative/support pet simnel 10% materials/supplies handlers and 9% laboratory technicians Sixty percent of the population handled mice Eighty two percent of studs participants had detectable breathing zone mouse allergen, and breathing zone mouse allergen concentrations were 1 02 ng/m(2) (0 13-6 91) (median /interquartile range (IQR)] Although mauve handlers had significantly higher concentration of breathing zone mouse allergen than non handlers (median [IQR] 4 13 ng/m(3) [069-12 12] and 0 21 ng/m3 (below detection (13D)-0 63] respectively p < 0 001) 66% of non handle, v had delectable breathing zone mouse allergen Mauve allergen concentrations among administrative/support personnel and materials/supplies handlers Jobs that generally do not entail handling mice were median [IQR] 023 ng/m(3) [BD-0 59] and 063 ng/m(3) /BD-/8 911 respectively Seventy-one percent of administrative/support personnel and 68% of materials/supplies handlers had detectable breathing -one mouse allergen As many as half of non-mouse handlers may have levels of exposure that are similar to levels oh served among mouse handlers