Respiratory allergy and specific immunoglobulin E and immunoglobulin G antibodies to reactive dyes used in the wool industry
Article Abstract:
Reactive dyes have been used in cotton textiles since their introduction in 1956. These dyes, however, have only infrequently been used by the wool industry because the older products have provided both adequate color fastness and palette. The dyes are used because they react rapidly and strongly at low temperatures and at moderate pH (acid-base levels). These reactions can also readily occur with body proteins as body temperature and acidity are within the appropriate range. Respiratory symptoms among six wool dye workers in Great Britain were studied. Their medical histories showed they had been exposed to Lanasol dyes produced by Ciba-Geigy. Previous research has suggested that the dyes rapidly combine with blood albumin to form a new compound (conjugate). The dye that the workers had been exposed to were conjugated in the laboratory with human albumin to make a conjugate that could be used to establish the workers' antibody level. Samples of the patients' blood were allowed to react with these conjugates as an assay of the presence of specific antibodies against the dye-albumin conjugate. The researchers were able to identify specific immunoglobulin E antibodies against the dye-albumin in two of the patients. The levels of IgE and immunoglobulin G (IgG) were measured in all six workers. Specific IgG was found in all workers exposed to reactive dyes without regard to their symptoms. Occupational physicians should consider reactive dye exposure in wool industry workers who have respiratory complaints. In these cases the identification of one or more dye-albumin conjugates can be helpful in identifying the dyes which cause the allergy.
Publication Name: Journal of Occupational Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0096-1736
Year: 1989
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Toluene diisocyanate-induced asthma: clinical findings and bronchial responsiveness studies in 113 exposed subjects with work-related respiratory symptoms
Article Abstract:
Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) is a chemical used in the plastics and building industries. A large number of workers are exposed to TDI, and it is estimated that 5 to 10 percent of these individuals develop asthma. The exact nature of this type of asthma is not well understood. Bronchial hyperresponsiveness is the basis for asthmatic attacks. The air passages overreact to the presence of a foreign substance, such as pollen or TDI. This study examined the characteristics of asthma in 113 patients who had been exposed to TDI. Pulmonary (lung) functioning tests were performed, as were tests for specific air passage hyperresponsiveness, using a challenge with TDI and a nonspecific test using methacholine. Results showed that 46 (40.7 percent) reacted to challenge with TDI. In response to methacholine challenge, 78.3 percent of those who reacted to TDI, and 46.3 percent of those who did not react to TDI, had positive findings. Although the a higher percentage of TDI reactors also reacted to methacholine, the difference was not significant. Nonsmokers had higher rates of reactivity to TDI than did smokers. Results of respiratory function tests did not show large amounts of impairment. These results indicate that TDI exposure can induce asthma in some people, but that tests using a challenge with methacholine cannot differentiate TDI-induced asthma from other types of asthma. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Occupational Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0096-1736
Year: 1991
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Survey of industrial workers for antibodies to toluene diisocyanate
Article Abstract:
A research and development facility of a large toluene di-isocyanate (TDI) manufacturing corporation undertook an employee screening program. The serologic screening of workers for tolyl-reactive antibodies may be of value in confirming suspected isocyanate exposure and as a procedure that provides an early warning of developing TDI hypersensitivity.
Publication Name: Journal of Occupational Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0096-1736
Year: 1981
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