Occupational allergy and climate change.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Climate change influences working conditions in various ways, affecting employee health and safety across different sectors. Climatic factors like rising temperatures, increased UV radiation, and more frequent extreme weather events pose risks to in both indoor and outdoor workers. Allergic diseases of the respiratory tract and the skin may emerge due to climate change. This review summarizes current aspects of both direct and indirect consequences of climate change and associated exposures in diverse work environments, focusing on occupational allergies.

Recent findings: Outdoor workers, in particular, are increasing susceptible to ubiquitous pollen allergens. Additionally, they may experience climate-related increases in allergens typically associated with specific workplaces, such as Cryptostroma corticale. Changes in production processes, along with altered workplaces exposures, can lead to new sensitizations and trigger allergies, representing indirect consequences of climate change. Furthermore, lifestyle changes aimed to promoting climate protection and sustainability (e.g. the introduction of insects as a protein source or using enzymes), may also contribute to the emergence of new allergens.

Summary: The emergence of new occupational sensitization sources from novel or modified allergen exposures must be addressed within the framework of workplace safety and health, necessitating proactive measures to safeguard workers and mitigate risks.