Abstrakt

Climate change has a variety of effects on the workplace conditions of employees. Allergic diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract and the skin can also occur as a result of direct and indirect consequences of climate change and the associated exposures at different workplaces. Outdoor workers in particular can be affected by increased ubiquitous pollen allergen exposure. These activities can lead to a climate-related increase in more typical workplace-relevant allergen exposure (such as the mold Cryptostroma corticale, which causes sooty bark disease on maple trees). Changes in manufacturing processes and the associated exposure at workplaces, which can lead to new sensitization and ultimately also cause allergies, can therefore represent indirect effects of climate change. Lifestyle changes that are primarily intended to contribute to climate protection and sustainability also play a role here (e.g., the introduction of insects as a source of protein, or the use of enzymes during food processing). The emergence of further sources of occupational sensitization through new or changed allergen exposures must be considered in the context of health and safety in the workplace and requires proactive action to protect employees.

Autoreninformation

Autoren

• M. Raulf
• S. Kespohl

Abteilungen

• Institut für Prävention und Arbeitsmedizin der Deutschen Gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung, Institut der Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum

Adresse

Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Monika Raulf
Abteilung Kompetenz-Zentrum Allergologie/Immunologie
Institut für Prävention und Arbeitsmedizin der DGUV
Institut der Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA)
Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1
44789 Bochum
Email: [email protected]

Citation