Table 3.5.

Common most asthmagen agents

Classification	Sub-groups	Sources	Occupational activity
High-molecular-weight protein antigens	Animal-derived substances; plant-derived substances	Laboratory animals, seafood, grain mites/insects; grain dust, natural rubber/latex gloves, bacterial enzymes, vegetable gums	Animal handlers, food processing; bakeries, healthcare workers, detergent making;
Low-molecular-weight/chemical sensitizers	Plasticizers, paints, adhesives, wood dust, foams, metals, drugs and pharmaceuticals	Isocyanates (e.g., toluene diisocyanate), acid anhydrides (e.g., phthalic anhydride), amines (e.g., ethylenediamine), fluxes (e.g., colophony), metals (e.g., platinum salts), drugs (e.g., penicillin), plastics (e.g., acrylates), wood dust (e.g., western red cedar)	Auto-spray painting, varnishing, metal grinding, platinum refineries, pharmaceutical manufacturing, sawmill work, woodworking,
Other chemicals		Biocides (e.g., glutaraldehyde), polyvinyl chloride fumes, organophosphate insecticides	Janitorial work, meat packaging