ABSTRACT
Not long after the use of laboratory animals became an integral component of biomedical research came the first reports of allergy and asthma in research technicians and scientists (1-3). Exposure to laboratory animals occurs in two primary settings: the animal care facility and the research laboratory. Those at risk for sensitization and asthma include animal handlers, cleaning and maintenance personnel in the animal facility, veterinarians and veterinary technicians, and research scientists, students and technicians who supervise or handle laboratory animals. Air sampling and epidemiological research have identified certain job tasks, where the exposure to animal allergens is particularly high. These include cage changing, cage cleaning, direct work with laboratory animals on an unventilated bench, or work with many animals at one time (Table 17.1) (4,5).
