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Dust entry

Laboratory-animal bedding dust

Airborne particulate and animal-allergen material released while handling bedding, feed, and associated materials in laboratory-animal facilities.

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

animal-induced asthmaallergic respiratory symptomsrespiratory sensitizationskin disorders

Evidence

NIOSH identifies workers who handle animal-associated materials such as bedding and feed as being at risk, and states that animal products and associated allergens can cause asthma, respiratory, and skin disorders.

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Background · 1
Workers at risk include laboratory animal and veterinary technicians, researchers, veterinarians, and others who have prolonged, close association with animals or their secretions or excretions. Also at risk are workers who handle animal products or associated materials such as bedding and feed.

The UK HSE states that animal fur, feathers, dander, dried urine, and saliva dusts contain animal aeroallergens that cause occupational asthma, and recommends extraction, respiratory protection for dusty jobs, and health surveillance.

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Reduce disease - reduce exposure to 'animal aeroallergens' · 1
Animal fur, feathers, dander, dried urine and saliva dusts arise through animal handling and cage or enclosure cleaning. These dusts contain proteins, 'animal aeroallergens', that cause occupational asthma.

HSE identifies laboratory-animal handling, cage movement and cleaning, animal-area cleaning, and ventilated-area filter changes as dusty jobs; it recommends extracted enclosures, respiratory protection for dusty jobs, HEPA-filtered Type H vacuum cleaners, and no dry sweeping.

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Reduce disease - reduce exposure to 'animal aeroallergens' · 3
Dusty jobs include handling laboratory animals, moving and cleaning animal cages, cleaning animal areas, and changing filters for ventilated areas.

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