Occupational allergy and asthma in the seafood industry – emerging issues

Increased demand for seafood and its functional by-products has been associated with a concomitant rise in fi shing and aquaculture activities. This increased consumption and processing of seafood is associated with more frequent allergic health problems among seafood processors. This overview of occupational allergies and asthma in seafood exposed workers illustrates the changing nature of the fi shing and seafood processing industry in the midst of ecological degradation and globalisation. It provides detailed insights into the major and minor allergens that have been identifi ed and other pathophysiological mechanisms that have been implicated in airway infl ammation. More refi ned exposure assessment studies in recent times have enabled detailed characterisation of allergen exposure response relationships, which confi rm the increased risk associated with elevated allergen exposures. Directions for future research and preventive strategies are outlined.