A NIOSH-indexed MMWR report identified sensitization among laundry-product workers exposed to proteolytic bacterial enzymes and characterized respiratory, eye, and skin effects associated with bacterial dust exposure.
Source: CDC/NIOSH: Sensitization of Laundry-Products Workers to Proteolytic Bacterial Enzymes — New Jersey ↗Dust entry
Laundry-product enzyme dust
Airborne proteolytic bacterial-enzyme dust generated during manufacture and handling of enzyme-containing laundry products.
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
respiratory sensitisationoccupational asthma concernskin sensitisationeye irritationrespiratory-system symptoms
Evidence
Controls
- closed enzyme handling
- local exhaust ventilation
- dust suppression
- skin and eye protection
- medical surveillance
- appropriate respiratory protection