Haz-Map: Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Agents

Exposure Assessment
Agent Name	Chironomid midges
Major Category	Biological Agents
Category	Insect-Derived Allergens
Comments	Occupational asthma reported in 45% of 225 aquarists and fish-food factory workers; [Malo] Eggs cause immunologic, occupational contact urticaria. [Kanerva 2004, p. 98] The larvae of the chironomid midges (bloodworms) are eaten by trout and other game fish. Larvae are cultivated for fish bait. See the reference, "Chironomid midge allergy." Immunologic contact urticaria documented; [Kanerva 2004, p. 100]
Reference Link	Humoral immune response to the insect allergen Chi t I in aquarists and fish-food factory workers
Skin Designation (ACGIH)	Not evaluated
Reference Link	Chironomid midge allergy
Adverse Effects
Asthma	Yes
Links to Other NLM Databases
Toxicity Information	Search TOXNET
Related Information in Haz-Map
Diseases	Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: Asthma, occupational Contact urticaria