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Occupational immediate‐type asthma and rhinitis due to rhodium salts
Author(s) -
Merget Rolf,
Sander Ingrid,
van Kampen Vera,
RaulfHeimsoth Monika,
Ulmer HansMartin,
Kulzer Rupprecht,
Bruening Thomas
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/ajim.20786
Subject(s) - rhodium , medicine , occupational asthma , platinum , asthma , allergy , immunology , organic chemistry , catalysis , chemistry
Background Whereas platinum salts are well known occupational allergens, rhodium salts have not been identified as inhalative sensitizing substances. Methods A 27‐year‐old atopic operator of an electroplating plant developed work‐related shortness of breath and runny nose with sneezing after exposure to rhodium salts. Quantitative skin prick tests (SPT) and bronchial challenge tests with a dosimeter protocol were performed with quadrupling doses of the sodium chloride salts of rhodium (Na 3 RhCl 6 ) and platinum (Na 2 PtCl 6 ). Results The patient showed positive SPT reactions and positive bronchial immediate‐type reactions with rhodium and platinum salts. Sensitivity to rhodium salt was much higher than to platinum salt; the molar concentrations differed by a factor of 256 in SPT and a factor of 16 in bronchial challenges. Conclusions Rhodium salts should be considered as occupational immediate‐type allergens. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:42–46. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.