Cashew nut shells (CNS) is already used in the energy matrix of some industries. However, it is necessary to know the harmful health effects generated by exposure to pollutants of its combustion, especially in the workers exposed to industrial pollutants. In addition, it is known that the incidence of asthma grows among workers in industries, and due to its previously reported biological effects of anethole, these will also be objects of the present study. We used 64 Balb/C mice, randomly divided into eight groups. Groups were sensitized and challenged with saline or ovalbumin, then subjected to intranasal instillation of 30 µg PM4.0 (occupational exposure) from the combustion of CNS or saline, and then were subsequently treated with oral anethole 300 mg/kg or 0.1% Tween 80. Our results serve as a starting point for the development of public policies for the prevention of diseases in workers that are exposed to the pollutants coming from industries.
Keywords: Anethole; OVA-induced asthma; cashew nut shells; occupational exposure; respiratory system.