Detergents don't cause allergies?!

[sudsmaster]

Strictly speaking, inorganic chemicals cannot cause allergies. It takes an organic molecule - like a protein - to trigger an allergic response in the human (or animal) system.

Enzymes are by nature proteins with catalytic capability. Therefore it is theoretically possible for laundry enzymes to trigger an allergic response. But much would depend on the type of enzyme and the person's immune system.

An allergic reaction should be separated from a sensitivity reaction. Thus, many people can experience a skin rash from exposure to nickel - but this is a sensitivity issue, not an allergic reaction per se. Similarly, it's possible for a protein like an enzyme to cause skin sensitivity without causing an allergic reaction. This might be because the enzyme is good at dissolving fats, oils, or other proteins, and attacks the skin's defenses that way. This is more of a corrosive effect, such as might occur with contact with washing soda or lye, although much milder in action.

 

[panthera]

Thank you

Rich, for making the distinction. I have often wondered just, exactly, what the difference is between "sensitivity" and "allergic reaction".
I seem to recall, if vaguely, that enzymes need not be protein based, tho' nearly all are. In any event, you have to pay attention to what you body reacts to and learn to avoid or minimize the problematic elements.
Of course, once a problem like asthma enters the picture, the lines blur very fast and even suggestion can be enough to produce a reaction, regardless of how one calls it.

 

[sudsmaster]

Enzymes are the biological equivalent of catalysts. Catalysts need not be protein based. For example, the platinum or palladium catalyst in your car's catalytic converter. Other metals that can function as catalysts include nickel.

As far as I know, however, nearly all enzymes must be protein or have a protein component. There are a small number of non-protein enzymes made of RNA. These are called ribozymes, so nominally at least they are not enzymes per se. There are also non-protein synthetic enzymes, but I'm not aware of what molecules are used to create them.

Many enzymes do require non-protein substances known as co-factors. Many co-factors are, suprise, metal ions. Not surprising, really, since many metals can act as catalysts under appropriate conditions. Some co-factors are biological compounds known as co-enzymes.

Getting back to the allergic subject, ironically there are non-protein and inorganic substances that are used in immunology to help induce an immune response. These substances are called adjuvants. As I understand it, they function by providing a source of irritation to the tissues around the injection site. When the immune system responds, it latches onto the protein antigen in the injection and starts the process of creating antibodies to it. I guess the process is a series of steps - the injection with the adjuvant is regarded as a physical invasion of the body, and the immune system is "summoned" to respond just in case there are foreign proteins that need to be attacked by the immune system. As I recall an aluminum based compound is a common adjuvant. Ancient history for me, it's been about 30 years since I worked around immunologists.