A NIOSH-indexed study of egg and meat processing workers reported occupational-asthma prevalence in evaluated facilities, including papain-exposed meat workers and egg-processing workers, and recommended engineering controls to prevent aerosolization of proteinaceous materials.
Source: CDC/NIOSH: Occupational asthma among egg and meat processing workers ↗Dust entry
Egg and meat-processing organic dust
Proteinaceous and enzyme-containing organic dust generated during egg and meat processing, including papain and egg-protein handling.
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 sensitisationallergic respiratory responseskin exposure concern
Evidence
Controls
- enclosed protein handling
- local exhaust ventilation
- prevent aerosolization
- housekeeping
- medical surveillance
- appropriate respiratory protection