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Crustacean-protein dust

Airborne protein-containing particulate generated during processing or handling of prawns, shrimp, crab, lobster, and related crustaceans.

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 asthma concernrespiratory sensitizationwheezing and breathlessness concernallergic respiratory symptoms

Evidence

The UK HSE review reports occupational asthma among workers exposed to crustacean proteins, including prawn and shrimpmeal, and concludes that crustacean protein meets its criteria for classification as a respiratory sensitiser.

Source: pdf ↗ · saved source
page 30 · C9: CRUSTACEAN PROTEINS — Summary and conclusion · 1
Several reports indicate that exposure to crustacean protein in the workplace can lead to the development of occupational asthma. This occurs in a substantial proportion of the workforce when exposure is to prawn or crab. These findings are supported by data from adequately conducted bronchial challenge and lung function tests. The results of assays for immunoglobulin E (IgE) to crustacean protein and skin prick tests have demonstrated an immunological response in many workers with respiratory symptoms.

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