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materials used in the textile chemical formulating industry.
Hazards associated with enzymes
Industrial enzymes have a low toxicity to humans; i.e. enzymes present no concern for endpoints like
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acute toxicity, genotoxicity, sub-acute and repeated dose toxicity, reproductive toxicity and carcinogenic-
ity (1)(2)(3). However, like many other proteins, enzymes may act as allergens via inhalation. A two-step
process must take place for the development of an inhalation allergy: initial sensitisation followed by
elicitation (3).
Sensitisation: When allergens are inhaled in the form of dust or aerosols, they may give rise to the
formation of antibodies that are specific only to them. At this stage, the sensitised individuals do not
suffer from any allergic symptoms.

Elicitation: Sensitised individuals may then develop an allergy, if they are repeatedly exposed to suffi-
ciently high airborne concentrations of the allergen concerned (4). At this stage, the individual will develop
the symptoms typical for respiratory allergy such as hay fever. Some individuals may develop asthma
upon continued exposure. When this condition is due to exposure in the working environment, it is called
occupational allergy.
The respiratory symptoms from allergen exposure may include itching of the nose and eyes, nasal and
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sinus congestion and sneezing. Coughing, hoarseness, tightness of the chest and shortness of breath
are all indicators of asthma. These symptoms may occur during or after working hours and they disappear
within hours or a few days after the exposure has ceased. Allergy symptoms may be similar to those of
the common cold, and if such symptoms occur frequently at the workplace and only rarely at weekends
or during holidays, they may be the result of occupational enzyme exposure.

Allergy by inhalation caused by enzymes is similar to the respiratory allergies that are caused by well-
known allergens like grass-pollen, house dust mites or cat dander; and the symptoms are similar. Some
individuals are more prone to sensitisation than others are. Atopic individuals, i.e. persons already allergic
to one or more of the common allergens, may develop an enzyme allergy more easily than others may.
Not all atopic individuals will become allergic to enzymes and non-atopic individuals may develop an
enzyme allergy if exposed to sufficiently high airborne concentrations on a regular basis.
Smokers have a markedly increased risk of becoming sensitised and developing allergy symptoms (5).
There is no scientific evidence that enzymes are associated with allergy caused by skin contact or
ingestion (6)(7).
In general, controlling enzyme exposure in the textile chemical formulating industry will reduce the likeli-
hood of work-related respiratory symptoms. Enzyme handling activities that may generate airborne dust
or aerosols should be prevented to minimize the risk of exposures. This subject will be addressed in the
following chapters of this document.
Experience from over 50 years of handling enzyme products in the enzymes manufacturing industry as
well as in the detergent industry has proven that enzymes can be safely used in the workplace (8)(9). This
valuable experience and knowledge are now being applied to the textile chemical formulating industry to
make it an even safer place in which to work.
References
1. Basketter, D.A., Berg, N., Kruszewski, F., Sarlo, K.S., (2012). The toxicology and immunology of
detergent enzymes. J. Immunotox., 2012; 9(3): 320-326
2. Basketter, D.A., Berg, N., Broekhuizen, C., Fieldsend, M., Kirkwood, S., Kluin, C., Mathieu, S.,
Rodriguez, C., (2012). Enzymes in cleaning products: An overview of toxicological properties and risk
assessment/management. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology 64 (2012) 117-123
3. Basketter, D.A., Broekhuizen, C., Fieldsend, M., Kirkwood, S., Mascarenhas, R., Maurer, K., Pedersen,
C., Rodriguez, C., Schiff, H.E., (2010). Defining occupational and consumer exposure limits for en-
zyme protein respiratory allergens under REACH. Toxicology 268, 165-170.
4. Basketter, D.A., Berg, N., Kruszewski, F., Sarlo, K.S., Concoby, B., (2012). Relevance of sensitization
to occupational asthma and allergy in the detergent industry. J. Immunotox., 2012; 9(3): 314-319
5. Johnsen, C. R., Sorensen, T. B., Larsen, A. I., Secher, A. B., Andreasen, E., Kofoed, G. S., Nielsen,
L.F. & Gyntelberg, F. (1997). Allergy risk in an enzyme producing plant: a retrospective follow up study.
Occupational and environmental medicine, 54(9), 671-675.

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