Levels of Airborne Soybean Allergen (Gly m 1) in a Brazilian Soybean Production City: A Pilot Study

Asthma epidemics have been shown to be related to where soybeans are loaded and handled, but data are scarce in the literature. This pilot study evaluated the levels of Gly m 1 in dust samples collected in Maringá, Brazil, a city with high soy production and processing. A dust impactor was used to collect seven isolated samples during 2015 and 2016. Samples were analyzed by an ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) detection method. Gly m 1 was found in all samples, ranging from 0.82–24.38 ng/m(3) (median 2.41), regardless of the month or year evaluated. The levels of Gly m 1 were considered low, but the concentrations required to cause sensitization and symptoms are uncertain.