OSHA Hazard Information Bulletins
July 13, 1998
| MEMORANDUM FOR: | REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS
STATE DESIGNEES
CONSULTATION PROGRAM MANAGERS |
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| FROM: | STEVEN F. WITT
Director
Directorate of Technical Support
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| SUBJECT: | Hazard Information Bulletin(1): Animal Allergens in the Workplace
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Animal handlers are at risk of developing work-related asthma and allergies.
Animal handlers include veterinarians, veterinary technicians, laboratory
animal workers, livestock workers and workers using fur or textiles made
from animal products.
The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a
study on asthma in animal handlers and concluded that respiratory illnesses
in animal handlers can result in respiratory symptoms that can lead to
permanent disability. NIOSH issued the "Preventing Asthma in Animal
Handlers" Alert that addresses the health effects of exposure to airborne
animal allergens and recommends a broad spectrum of measures for preventing
animal-induced asthma and allergies in the workplace.
A copy of
NIOSH's Alert
is attached for your information and use as appropriate.
Additional copies are available from NIOSH by calling 800-35-NIOSH or by
e-mailing a request on pubstaft@cdc.gov.
Please distribute this bulletin to all area offices and appropriate labor
and industry groups.
Footnote (1) The Directorate of Technical Support issues Hazard
Information Bulletins (HIB) in accordance with OSHA Instruction CPL 2.65 to
provide relevant information regarding unrecognized or misunderstood health
hazards, inadequacies of materials, devices, techniques, and safety
engineering controls. HIBs are initiated based on information provided by
the field staff, studies, reports and concerns expressed by safety and
health professionals, employers, and the public. Bulletins are developed
based on a thorough evaluation of available facts and in coordination with
appropriate parties.
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