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A cross-sectional study among detergent workers exposed to liquid detergent enzymes
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 08/21/09

van Rooy FGBGJ et al. – Workers exposed to liquid detergent enzymes are at risk of developing sensitisation (14 %) and respiratory allergy.

• A cross–sectional study among 109 eligible workers of a detergent products plant.
• 108 were interviewed for respiratory and allergic symptoms and from 106 blood samples were taken to examine sensitisation to enzymes.
• Those, sensitised to one or more enzymes were referred for clinical evaluation.
• Workers were classified into three exposure groups with varying exposure profiles to enzymes, based on frequency, duration and level of exposure.

• Workers were exposed to proteases, alpha–amylase, lipase and cellulase.
• The highest exposures occurred in the mixing area.
• Liquid spills with concentrated enzyme preparations and leakage of enzymes during weighing, transportation and filling were causing workplace contaminations and subsequently leading to both dermal and inhalation exposure for workers.
• Workers with the highest exposures reported significantly more work–related symptoms of itching nose and sneezing and marginally significant more symptoms of wheezing PR= 2.9 compared to the least exposed group.
• 15 workers (14.2 %) were sensitised to one or more enzymes.

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