The Way Allergens Affect Student In Pharmacy Laboratory And Solution

An allergic reaction

Studying pharmacy in a Nigerian university can be fun. There is more fun in the laboratory where experimental practical are carried out with results that explain the ‘nature of life.’

These laboratory experiments goes on in the life of a pharmacy that continues to practice. However, there is an aspect of these experiments schools and individuals have failed to talk about, allergens.

The majority of pharmacy department have laboratories where students and academia perform basic experimental practical. There are always general safety/precaution measures put in place to avoid hazards to both staffs and students. However, there are a set of people that cannot be protected with the minor precaution measures put in place, those who are allergic to certain allergens.

There are two ways to look at this; those who were exposed to laboratory chemicals and develop an allergic reaction to it and those who are already allergic.

Allergens, Causes Of Allergic Reaction

The most common allergic condition is known as asthma. Many types of laboratory allergens can trigger this. A good example is rodents found in pharmacology animal house. A good number of students to staff have been documented to develop an allergic reaction to them for life. Others are infectious microbes mostly from pharmaceutical microbiology laboratory, plants encountered during pharmacognosy research, etc.

Occupational Asthma

Asthma that is caused or aggravated by activities in the workplace (laboratory) is known as occupational asthma. A condition is characterised by difficulty in breathing.

It can be caused by allergens (respiratory sensitizers). It does not start overnight but over time. However, once active, it is triggered anytime the person is exposed to the allergen. There is still occasional occupational asthma that is caused by a single high dose. However, this type stops once the trigger is removed or the person moves away from the trigger.

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A large amount of allergen over time is the major cause of occupational asthma. Chemicals are the cause of irritant-induced asthma with large doses. The attack can be immediate for single high dose, late or combine.

Allergens Mostly Found In Pharmacy Laboratories

Chloroform: A volatile liquid that can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs. Once inside the body, it becomes toxic. Phosgene, chemical weapons used in World War 1 (W.W. 1) made with this chemical.

Formaldehyde: This chemical commonly found in Anatomy laboratories caused dermatitis, sinusitis, and asthma. It is carcinogenic in combination with other chemicals. One of its product is formalin, a bis-chloromethyl ether.

Sodium Hypochlorite: A potential allergic compound. It causes contact dermatitis and other skin reactions.

There are tonnes of other potential allergens because due to differences in our DeoxyriboNucleic Acid (D.N.A), the chemical that affects Mr A may not affect Mr B. Most allergens are especially of plants origins.

Possible Solutions To Avoid Exposure To Laboratory Allergens

1. Since it is difficult to avoid the laboratories as a student pharmacy, take note of the trigger. Avoid it with passion. Since most practical are in-group, it is possible to designate such work to group members. In the case of an examination that is mostly individual, a complaint to the lecturer can help.
2. Laboratory with potential allergens like pharmaceutical microbiology laboratories can be fitted with a suitable ventilation system that removes an irritant from the air.
3. Medication: for those who are already allergic, take appropriate medications along. The inhaler is the most common.
4. If possible, replace the trigger with a less irritant one when possible. 
5. In advance countries, sufferers are expected to report the case to their supervisor who will provide them with a respirator, and face mask.
6. The last option is avoiding the trigger. But how possible that is in the examination hall I don’t know.

Most allergens start in the school environment as the most student has lived all their lives with their parents. The change of environment coupled with the exposure to a new set of chemicals is the major triggers of such conditions.

All and all, the most common trigger is formalin, a chemical for embalment of cadaver (plural of a human corpse) in the Anatomy Laboratory. It can be inhaled through inhalation and skin. According to one study by NDCE, almost all anatomy students in a particular school complained of irritation.

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Students that are allergic to certain triggers or have to develop allergic reactions find it difficult to cope in the laboratory. This, in turn, has a negative impact on their experimental practical. Many other sufferers pretend as much as possible to avoid embarrassment from lecturers and other students. Worst still there have not been mention in so many meetings and discussion groups across the country how best to help such ones.

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