The European Union has invested in the development of the world’s first in-vitro test for respiratory sensitization, the GARDair, according to manufacturer SenzaGen. The test predicts whether chemical substances can cause allergic reactions in the airways.

Airway allergies can be caused by handling of harmful substances, such as different types of chemicals, in daily work. According to the Asthma and Allergy Association, many asthma sufferers are diagnosed already in childhood, but equally a large number are also affected as adults — between 10% and 15% of them get asthma because of their working environment. One reason behind this can be reactivated childhood asthma, but people who have never displayed symptoms previously, can also be affected, according to SenzaGen.

For professionals working in manufacturing plants in the cosmetics, chemical and pharmaceutical industries it is important that the chemicals they handle are tested for how they may affect the respiratory tract.

GARDair, developed by Swedish company SenzaGen, which was launched in 2018, makes it possible to predict the risk of causing hypersensitivity with high reliability. Using GARDair, it is possible not only to develop better and safer products, but also not least to be able to offer employees a safe production and work environment.

“When developing for example pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, risk assessment and safety tests are essential for securing the release of safe products to consumers. Furthermore, the risks associated with the production itself should also be evaluated. In cases where a hazardous substance cannot be replaced or avoided, we provide the employer with the knowledge needed to protect the staff in the best way. With the help of GARDair, it is possible to proactively create a safer working environment,” says Anki Malmborg Hager, CEO of SenzaGen.