Approximately one third of laboratory animal workers have occupational allergy to animal
danders, and a third of these have symptomatic asthma. Sensitization generally occurs with
the first 3 years of employment, and risk factors include atopic background, as well as job
description as it relates to the intensity of exposure. A symptomatic worker can reduce
allergen exposure with personal protective devices. A laboratory can further reduce
exposure with generally available equipment, such as laminar flow caging, and procedures …