Occupational allergy to weeping fig in plant keepers

Abstract

Plant keepers take regular care of green plants in public buildings and offices. One of the most common green plants in Scandinavia is weeping fig (Ficus benjamina). We have previously reported on two plant keepers sensitized to this plant, one had asthma and the other allergic rhinitis. We now report a study of four plant-leasing firms employing 60 plant keepers and 24 less exposed. Positive RAST and skin tests in 16 of the plant keepers and two of the employees showed them to be sensitized. All sensitized subjects suffered from conjunctivitis and/or rhinitis and six had asthma. Handling of green plants is a new example of an occupation which may cause IgE-mediated allergy.