Bluesign warns of risk from enzyme ‘dusting’
Assessment and certification company Bluesign has warned of the risks powdered enzymes can pose to workers.
When properly managed, enzymes can reduce energy use, chemical intensity and wastewater generation, it said – but insisted safety practices for managing airborne enzyme exposure remain “limited or inconsistent”.
When inhaled, enzymes can act as respiratory sensitisers and may lead to respiratory allergy or even asthma following repeat exposures if risk is not well managed, it said.
It therefore recommends using liquid enzyme formulations and encapsulated granules, which can also make dosing more efficient.
Petr Valenta of Bluesign Academy said: “The occupational health risks associated with enzyme dust have been well understood for many years. Fine enzyme powders can become airborne during handling, and inhalation exposure can lead to respiratory sensitization. Because controlling this exposure is often difficult in real production environments, Bluesign addressed this risk early on by mandating the use of liquid enzymes as an alternative to the use of the powdered ones.”
