Foundation cream ingredient linked with occupational asthma

A new study has revealed that Argan powder, which is used by the cosmetic industry in the production of foundation products, could be linked with occupational asthma.

Researchers used a sample of nine patients from a cosmetic factory in France and exposed all participants to the product in three different forms: crude granules, powder or liquid.

Each participant completed a questionnaire about their medical history. Lung function tests and allergy tests were also carried out, along with an inhalation challenge test, which examines the airways specific reaction to a substance.

Out of the nine workers, four displayed asthma or rhinitis symptoms and had a blocked nose when handling argan powder.

The results found that three of them had occupational asthma caused by argan powder, proved by specific challenge tests. Two of the four also had a positive allergy skin prick-test to argan powder.

The study is to be presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Annual Congress in Barcelona.