Is the incidence of aliphatic amine‐induced occupational rhinitis and asthma underestimated?

H Laborde‐Castérot, N Rosenberg… - American journal of …, 2014 - Wiley Online Library
H Laborde‐Castérot, N Rosenberg, P Dupont, R Garnier
American journal of industrial medicine, 2014Wiley Online Library
Background Amines, some of which are known to cause asthma, are frequently present in
the work environment, but are rarely identified as being responsible for occupational rhinitis
(OR) or asthma (OA). However, amine‐induced OR/OA may be underreported. To discuss
this hypothesis, we report a series of patients with positive amine‐specific nasal provocation
test (NPT). Methods Review of the medical charts of 37 patients with OR (alone or
associated with asthma), submitted to a NPT with an aliphatic or alicyclic amine (except for …
Background
Amines, some of which are known to cause asthma, are frequently present in the work environment, but are rarely identified as being responsible for occupational rhinitis (OR) or asthma (OA). However, amine‐induced OR/OA may be underreported. To discuss this hypothesis, we report a series of patients with positive amine‐specific nasal provocation test (NPT).
Methods
Review of the medical charts of 37 patients with OR (alone or associated with asthma), submitted to a NPT with an aliphatic or alicyclic amine (except for EDTA) present in a product used at work.
Results
Most patients worked in the healthcare sector or for a cleaning company. Amines were mostly present in cleaning products. Seven patients had a positive NPT. NPTs were positive for the following amines: bis(aminopropyl)laurylamine, C12‐C18 alkyldimethylamine oxides, bis(2‐hydroxyethyl)tallowamine oxides, 3‐dimethylaminopropylamine, 2,2′‐dimethyl‐4,4′‐methylene‐bis(cyclohexylamine), lauryldimethylamine oxide. NPTs were negative for the following amines: monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, isopropanolamine, triethylamine, triethylenetetramine, aminopropyltriethoxysilane, alkylpropylenediamineguanidine acetate.
Conclusions
The frequency of amine‐induced OR/OA may be underestimated, particularly when cleaning products are incriminated. Comprehensive investigation of all cases is mandatory to ensure an efficient prevention policy and consequently a good clinical and socio‐occupational prognosis of occupational respiratory disease. Am. J. Ind. Med. 57:1303–1310, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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