Lab Acquired Animal Allergies Debra Murphy, Director Research Integrity and Assurance July 29, 2014 Prevention and Protection, Educational Information

Objectives Be able to identify allergens Identify ways to reduce exposure Identify and use appropriate personal protective equipment Identify symptoms of developing allergies Advancing Research, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development

What Are Animal Allergens Mouse- Urine is most allergenic protein, dander and saliva Rat- dander (dead skin cells), saliva, and urine Guinea pigs- urine, saliva, pelts Rabbits – pelts, urine Birds- feathers, leads to hypersensitivity pneumonitis Cats- saliva, dander Dogs- dander, saliva Reptiles – less likely, but reports of allergies to scales, blood and saliva are reported Advancing Research, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development

Animal Allergens Workers with no history of any allergy have 10% chance of developing allergies to animals Workers with history of any prior allergic reaction to anything have 30% chance of developing allergies to animals Workers with allergies to lab animals have 10% chance of developing asthma Advancing Research, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development

Allergy Symptoms Most common are itchy eyes and runny nose Sneezing Coughing Wheezes Shortness of breath Rashes Hives Advancing Research, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development

Asthma – cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness Anaphylaxis – most severe; itching, hives, throat tightness, eye or lip swelling, shortness of breath leading to respiratory failure and shock with up to 2% dying from reaction Allergies - Consequences Contact urticaria – red, itchy skin; welts, hives Conjunctivitis – red, itchy eyes Rhinitis – sneezing, nasal itching/congestion, clear discharge

Laboratory Environment Signage There should be signage alerting others animals are present Use of Primary Barrier Equipment – e.g. Safety Cabinets, Caging, Local Exhaust Systems Respirators – Use of N-95 requires FIT testing Advancing Research, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development

Respirators

An N95 respirator is a respiratory protective device designed to achieve a very close facial fit and very efficient filtration of airborne particles. In addition to blocking splashes, sprays and large droplets, the respirator is also designed to prevent the wearer from breathing in very small particles that may be in the air. ALL FDA-cleared N95 respirators are labeled as "single use", disposable devices. If your respirator is damaged or soiled, or if breathing becomes difficult, you should remove the respirator, discard it properly, and replace it with a new one. To safely discard your N95 respirator, place it in a plastic bag and put it in the trash. Wash your hands after handling the used respirator.

Facemasks A facemask is a loose-fitting, disposable device that creates a physical barrier between the mouth and nose of the wearer and potential contaminants in the immediate environment. Facemasks may also be called surgical or mist mask. If worn properly, a facemask is meant to help block large-particles and droplets, splashes, sprays or splatter that may contain germs (viruses and bacteria) from reaching your mouth and nose. Facemasks may also help reduce exposure of your saliva and respiratory secretions to others. Facemasks are not intended to be used more than once. If your mask is damaged or soiled, or if breathing through the mask becomes difficult, you should remove the facemask, discard it safely, and replace it with a new one. To safely discard your mask, place it in a plastic bag and put it in the trash. Wash your hands after handling the used mask.

Laboratory Environment Laboratory Clothing – Disposable laboratory coats/coverings ideal, when removed turned inside out and disposed of appropriately – Non disposable coverings laundered frequently and never at home – Gloves Decontamination of Work Areas – Mechanically remove allergens from surface, wash hands etc. Advancing Research, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development

Primary Prevention Goal: reduce or eliminate exposure – Primary Barrier Equipment: Biological Safety Cabinet Exhaust Systems: Fume hoods, Downdraft table or sink Micro isolator cage Individual ventilated cages Ventilated cage change station Dust mist masks Respirators Advancing Research, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development

Health Questionnaire Every year you complete a health questionnaire that specifically asks about allergic symptoms. If at ANY TIME between questionnaires you begin to experience allergic symptoms, please contact ASU Health Services/Occupational Health Advancing Research, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development

Acknowlegments Completion of the Annual Health Surveillance Questionnaire and review of accompanying training material is your acknowledgment that that you have been provided with the information you need to make decisions about PPE usage that can prevent lab acquired animal allergies. Advancing Research, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development

Resources and References Occupational Health Surveillance Program allergies.pdf allergies.pdf