Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Allergic Diseases
Allergy to animal dander is well known and has been
recognized not only in pet owners but also in laboratory
animal workers. Allergic sensitivity resulting in asthmatic
respiratory disease from working with research animals,
including nonhuman primates, has been reported (
Lutsky
and Toshner, 1978
), but it is not common (
Lynch and
Burrell, 1982; Petry et al., 1985
).
Allergy to the powder in disposable latex gloves is not
limited to primate facilities, but the Animal Biosafety Level
2 requirements for all nonhuman primate-associated work
increase the probability of having sensitized people who
may develop contact dermatitis with varying degrees of
erythema, edema, and vasiculation.
hearing injuries if workers are subjected to prolonged
exposure to loud noises. Inadvertently mixing certain
detergents or germicides with sodium hypochlorite
(bleach), commonly used in nonhuman primate facilities,
and the subsequent emission of toxic chlorine gas have
caused severe respiratory system damage to workers.
Workers must be made aware and constantly reminded
of the physical dangers of the particular species of
nonhuman primates to which they are exposed and of the
environment in which they work. Emergency supplies/
equipment and standard operating procedures covering
worst-case scenarios should be in effect.
RECORDS
A centralized records system is recommended for all
participants in the occupational health program. The
responsibility for maintaining the record system is often
delegated to a university department, the institutional
health care services, or some similar entity with one or
more individuals directly responsible. It is of utmost
importance that appropriate monitoring and scheduling of
various components are timely and that documentation is
thorough. Procedures for monitoring and detecting occu-
pationally caused illness and injury should be in effect.
Records should be kept, and permanently maintained
regarding work assignments, exposures to hazardous
agents, injuries (especially animal bites and scratches), and
unusual illnesses. A computerized record system is essen-
tial for most institutions.
Prevention
The protective clothing, especially masks, in
Animal Biosafety Level 2 precautions may lessen exposure
to animal dander, but individuals with allergic reactions
that cannot be controlled by antihistamines should not work
around animals to which they are sensitized. The allergic
dermatitis resulting from an essential primary biosafety
barrier puts affected workers at greater risk for exposure to
many organisms,
so nonallergenic gloves
should be
provided for all who need them.
Physical Injury
Physical injury to workers inflicted by nonhuman
primates was, and probably still is, more widespread than
generally known. Veterinarians, investigators, technicians,
and others have been victims of assaults, bites, and
scratches by nonhuman primates, both large and small.
Several brutal attacks by uncontrollable chimpanzees,
both caged and escaped, have caused trauma, disfigure-
ment, and loss of digit and hand functions of workers.
Bites, especially by monkeys with long, sharp canine
teeth, have caused much physical injury over the years.
Most penetrating bite wounds result in severe infection if
aggressive antibiotic therapy is not instituted immedi-
ately. And, of course, bites and scratches by macaques
constitute herpes B exposures.
Floor surfaces, which often times are wet and slippery
in facilities housing nonhuman primates, contribute to slips
and falls by workers. These accidents sometimes result in
sprains, pulled muscles, back injuries, bruises, concussions,
and other physical harm.
Feet/toes and hands/fingers are sometimes crushed
when heavy nonhuman primate cages and equipment are
moved. Back injuries abound when these, feed, and other
items are improperly lifted and moved in daily routines.
Cage washers, steam, and hot water, all common
to nonhuman primate work, can cause severe burns to
workers. Cage washing equipment may be linked to
HEALTH SERVICES/PERSONNEL
Healthcare facilities and services available for all persons
working with nonhuman primates vary in size and nature
from fully staffed on-site hospitals or clinics to on-call
coverage by a private provider in remote locations and for
certain small programs. Some moderate-sized facilities
may have a small clinic area staffed by a nurse. It is
advisable that the physician in attendance be briefed in
detail well before emergency situations regarding the
health hazards to people working with nonhuman primates
and that previously established channels of communication
function effectively. A qualified occupational health
professional should review the occupational health
program and records on a regular basis.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors wish to thank and acknowledge the authors of the first
edition of this chapter, Samuel R. Adams, Elizabeth Muchmore, and
John H. Richardson for
their
substantial contribution to this
manuscript.
