TY - JOUR T1 - Ispagula powder – an allergen in the work environment JO - Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health PY - 1979/9VL - 5 IS - 3 SP - 257 EP - 261 AU - Göransson, Kersin AU - Michaelson, Gunnar M3 - doi: 10.5271/sjweh.3099 UR - https://www.sjweh.fi/show_abstract.php?abstract_id=3099 KW - allergen KW - asthma KW - bulk laxative KW - conjunctivitis KW - dust KW - ispagula KW - ispagula powder KW - psyllium seed KW - rhinitis KW - type 1 allergy KW - work environment N2 -

Bulk laxatives based on ispagula powder have given no known allergic side effects when administered perorally. Twenty-seven out of 64 workers in a pharmaceutical factory developed rhinitis, conjunctivitis or asthma when engaged in the packing of ispagula husks, an operation which gives rise to dust. The symptoms are accounted for by a type 1 allergy acquired from ispagula husks. This allergy can be demonstrated by intracutaneous and provocation tests. Occupational health measures were taken which reduced the dust content to a minimum; thereafter only one new case of sensitization was recorded during the next 24 months of observation. Five similar cases were reported among nursing staff exposed to the dust of ispagula while administering doses of bulk laxative.

SN - 0355-3140 ER -