Laboratory animals and respiratory allergies: The prevalence of allergies among laboratory animal workers and the need for prophylaxis

OBJECTIVE: Subjects exposed to laboratory animals are at a heightened risk of developing respiratory and allergic diseases. These diseases can be prevented by simple measures such as the use of personal protective equipment. We report here the primary findings of the Laboratory Animals and Respiratory Allergies Study regarding the prevalence of allergic diseases among laboratory animal workers, the routine use of preventive measures in laboratories and animal facilities, and the need for prevention programs. METHODS: Animal handlers and non-animal handlers from 2 Brazilian universities (University of São Paulo and State University of Campinas) answered specific questionnaires to assess work conditions and symptoms. These subjects also underwent spirometry, a bronchial challenge test with mannitol, and skin prick tests for 11 common allergens and 5 occupational allergens (rat, mouse, guinea pig, hamster, and rabbit). RESULTS: Four hundred fifty-five animal handlers (32±10 years old [mean±SD], 209 men) and 387 non-animal handlers (33±11 years old, 121 men) were evaluated. Sensitization to occupational allergens was higher among animal handlers (16%) than non-animal handlers (3%, p<0.01). Accessibility to personal protective equipment was measured at 85% (median, considering 73 workplaces of the animal handler group). Nineteen percent of the animal handlers indicated that they wear a respirator at all times while handling animals or working in the animal room, and only 25% of the animal handlers had received an orientation about animal-induced allergies, asthma, or rhinitis. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our data indicate that preventive programs are necessary. We suggest providing individual advice to workers associated with institutional programs to promote a safer work environment. .

Características clínicas de fumantes atendidos em um centro de referênciana cessação do tabagismo / Clinical characteristics of smokers seen in a smoking cessation reference center

Descrever características demográficas e clínicas de fumantes que procuraram atendimento em centro especializado na cessação de tabagismo. Métodos: Foram analisadas, retrospectivamente, as informações disponíveis em ficha clínica padronizada preenchida no momento do primeiro atendimento, de fumantes que procuraram o Ambulatório de Apoio ao Tabagista do Centro de Saúde Escola daFaculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo, no período de 18 meses. Resultados: O serviço foi procurado no período por 186 fumantes (135 mulheres), com idade de 50±12anos. A maioria (59%) veio encaminhada de outros ambulatórios médicos, e o consumo apenas de cigarros industrializados foi relatado por 96%. A idade de início do consumo regular de cigarros foi de18±7 anos. Experiências prévias frustradas de abandono foram relatadas por 83% dos fumantes, e o número médio de tentativas efetuadas foi de 3±2. A maioria dos atendidos (66%) exibia dependência ànicotina de grau alto ou muito alto, com escore médio do teste de Fargestrõm de 6±2. Co-morbidadesfísicas foram relatadas em 62% e psiquiátricas em 24% dos casos, particularmente depressão (17%). Conclusões: Os dados obtidos servem como embasamento de algumas necessidades a serem supridas por novos serviços de cessação do tabagismo a serem instalados em municípios de porte médio do Brasil e exterior.

Objective: To describe demographic and clinical features of smokers who had looked for care in as moking cessation specialized center. Methods: It has been retrospectively analyzed the data from standardized clinical forms, completed in the moment of the first consultation of smokers from the Outpatient Service of Support to Smokers of the "Centro de Saúde Escola da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo", for a period of 18 months. Results: The outpatient clinic received 186 new smokers (135 women), with a mean age of 50±12 years old, in this time. Most of the smokers(59%) came from other medical outpatient services, and smoking of industrialized cigarettes only was reported by 96% of them. The beginning age of cigarettes regular consumption was 18±7 years. Previous frustrated smoking cessation experiences were reported by 83% of the smokers, and the mean number of attempts was 3±2 years. Most of the subjects (66%) showed nicotine addiction of high andvery high degree. The mean score of the Fargestrõm nicotine dependence test, for the whole group, was 6±2. Physical co-morbidities were reported by 62% and psychiatric ones by 24% of the subjects, particularly depression cases (17%). Conclusions: The present data is a starting point, regarding the needs tobe fulfilled by new smoking cessation services to be installed in medium size towns from Brazil and abroad.