Dear Editor, We read with interest the article from Moghtaderi et al. [1] showing that exposure to horses among individuals who ride enhances the risk of developing allergic sensitization to horse allergens in comparison to healthy controls. The topic is of high importance considering the popularity of a horse as a domestic animal for several reasons (work, leisure, pet therapy, etc.), and the ...

Background. Gum arabic is a potential sensitizer in food industry. Methods. We examined 11 candy factory workers referred to examinations due to respiratory and skin symptoms paying attention to exposure and sensitization to gum arabic. Skin tests, pulmonary function tests, and respiratory provocation tests were carried out as indicated by the symptoms and findings. Results. Occupational asthma...

BACKGROUND Hen and quail eggs are commonly used in embryological research. While immunoglobin E (IgE)-associated allergy to hens' egg proteins is recognized in employees in the food industry, there are no previous reports from workers in embryological research. Two newly identified cases prompted us to examine the extent of this problem in a university laboratory. AIMS To determine the preval...

BACKGROUND Allergic contact dermatitis caused by polyester resin is considered to be rare. OBJECTIVES To describe 11 new patients diagnosed with occupational contact allergy to components of polyester resin systems in 1994-2009. METHODS Data on occupations, patch test results, symptoms and exposure to polyester products were retrieved from patient files, covering 1994 to February 2015. RE...

The preservative methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) is a well-known sensitiser and present in most baseline series since at least 20 years. The proportions of MCI/MI are 3:1. MI alone has been used as a preservative in occupational and household products, and cosmetics since less than 10 years. MCI/MI tested at 100 ppm fails to detect a significant percentage of contact-...

PURPOSE To determine the incidence and epidemiological characteristics of work-related asthma in Korea. METHODS During 2004-2009, the Korea Work-Related Asthma Surveillance (KOWAS) program collected data on new cases of work-related asthma from occupational physicians, allergy and chest physicians, regional surveillance systems, and workers' compensation schemes. The incidence was calculated ...

BACKGROUND Influenza vaccination of health care workers has been recommended since 1984. Multiple strategies to enhance vaccination rates have been suggested, but national rates have remained low. METHODS BJC HealthCare is a large Midwestern health care organization with approximately 26,000 employees. Because organizational vaccination rates remained below target levels, influenza vaccinatio...