ABSTRACT

I. INTRODUCTION Inhalant sensitivity to airborne allergens of animal and plant origin is a significant problem. The varieties and distribution of insects and the accumulation of debris associated with heavy infestations vary significantly from place to place, from year to year, and by geographic location. The allergens may be extremely potent and can be found indoors, outdoors, in the home, and at the workplace. Sensitization due to occupational exposures, encountered by professionals such as research entomologists, provide examples of allergy

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to inhaled insect allergens. Involuntary exposure to wind-borne insect emanations in house dust also induces sensitization to insect aeroallergens in a significant population of individuals. Inhalant insect allergy is widespread and has been reported in the United States, Japan, Australia, Taiwan, Pakistan, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Sudan, and Egypt.