Inhaled Particles VI © 1988 British Occupational Hygiene Society. CHARACTERISTICS OF AIRBORNE PARTICLES ASSOCIATED WITH ANIMAL ALLERGY IN LABORATORY WORKERS

Abstract—Area and personal samples were obtained in experimental animal facilities to determine concentrations of rat derived airborne allergens and the associated particle size distributions. Quantities of rat urinary and salivary antigens were assessed by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Areas sampled included rat housing rooms, adjacent corridors, animal laboratories, and non-animal control locations. Ng/m3 quantities of antigen were found to be associated with airborne particles in a weight-to-weight ratio of approximately 1/1000. The highest airborne antigen concentrations occurred in housing locations, with significant increases occurring during night hours. Personal samples in housing areas and animal laboratories yielded airborne antigen concentrations approximately one order of magnitude higher than corresponding results derived from area samples. Urinary and salivary antigens were associated with particles from < 0.24 fim Aerodynamic Equivalent Diameter (AED) to> 24 //m AED in size. Approximately 70 % by weight was associated with respirable particles (< 10 jjm AED)