Dust entry

Bromelain (pineapple protease) dust

Airborne bromelain enzyme powder generated during food-processing or meat-tenderizing operations.

Airborne form

dust

The form describes what is suspended in air at the point of exposure. A material can produce more than one form, such as dust during handling and fume during heating.

Health effects

occupational asthmarespiratory sensitizationallergic reaction concernskin irritation

Evidence

A NIOSH health-hazard evaluation of a meat-processing facility identifies bromelain among proteolytic enzymes associated with occupational asthma concerns in food-processing work.

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Description

The report keywords identify proteolytic enzymes including papain, bromelain, and ficin in connection with occupational asthma among meat handlers.

The HSE review reports positive bronchial-challenge results in workers with occupational asthma associated with bromelain exposure and identifies an immunological mechanism with bromelain-specific IgE and positive skin-prick tests.

Source: pdf ↗ · saved source
page 117 · C38: BROMELAINS — Summary and conclusion · 1

Exposure to bromelains during bronchial challenge testing has produced positive results in 5 individuals considered to have developed occupational asthma due to their work activities. Detection of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) to bromelain and positive skin prick tests suggest that the underlying mechanism of the asthma is immunological.

Controls

enclosed enzyme handling
local exhaust ventilation
low-dust formulations
skin protection
exposure monitoring
medical surveillance
appropriate respiratory protection