Japanese Journal of Allergology
Online ISSN : 1347-7935
Print ISSN : 0021-4884
ISSN-L : 0021-4884
Original Article
ANALYSIS OF WHEAT ALLERGEN DISPERSED IN AIR BY THE ACTION OF THREE TYPES OF FLOUR SIFTER
Hiroyuki HashimotoMasato YoshimitsuKyohei Kiyota
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JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

2017 Volume 66 Issue 3 Pages 209-221

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Abstract

Background: Since wheat flour, a cause of food allergy, tends to disperse rapidly in air, it can unintentionally mix other foods during the sieving process. Our aim was to analyze the dispersal of wheat flour dust in air in order to prevent unintentional mixing.

Methods: We measured particle size distribution of wheat flour, photographed the scattered flour for 60 seconds every 10 seconds after sieving through three types of flour sifter, constructed a velocity vector diagram of flour dust dispersal by each type of sifter, and measured the distance of wheat allergen dispersal over 20 minutes using a petri dish and immunochromatographic test.

Results: The particles were mainly 14.2μm and 60.4μm in diameter and settled at terminal velocities of about 8mm/s and 150mm/s, respectively. Wheat flour particles of more than 60μm (released in air by sifting) dropped mainly in the perpendicular direction, while particles of less than 30μm remained suspended and traveled 5m after sifting by all flour sifters.

Conclusion: Our results suggested that wheat flour dust dispersed by sifting (regardless of sifter) could unintentionally mix other foods. To prevent contamination, it is necessary to control the flow of air or sift flour in a separate room.

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© 2017 JAPANESE SOCIETY OF ALLERGOLOGY
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