Hypersensitivity pneumonitis risk factors
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
The following is a partial list of occupations and major causative antigens that put a patient at risk of HP. Microbial agents like fungi or bacteria in humidifiers, heating systems, and air conditioners found in homes and offices. Exposure to certain chemicals, such as isocyanates or acid anhydrides, can also increase the risk of hypersensitivity pneumonitis in susceptible individuals.
Risk factors
- The most potent risk factor in the development of HP is exposure to organic antigens.
- Certain occupations that are more at risk to these exposures are:
- Farmers and cattle workers
- Poultry and other bird handlers[1]
- These workers are exposed to droppings, feathers, and serum proteins of pigeons and other birds.
- Ventilation workers and those exposed to water-related contamination.
- These workers may be exposed to microorganisms thatcolonize humidifiers, forced-air systems, hot tubs, whirlpools, and spas.
- Veterinarians and animal handlers
- These workers obviously have daily contact with a large variety of animals and organic antigens.
- Grain and flour processors and loaders
- These workers are exposed to grain.
- Grain can become colonized with a variety of microorganisms and their antigens.
- Lumber mill workers and paper and wallboard manufacturers
- These workers are exposed to wood which can become colonized with molds and then becomes aerosolized.
- Plastic manufacturers, painters, and electronics industry workers
- These workers can be exposed to diphenylmethane diisocyanate or toluene diisocyanate.
- Textile workers
- Mushroom cultivators
- Wine makers