ISSN:
1600-0536
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Objectives: To analyse the yearly incidence rates and causes of occupational skin diseases (OSD) in different metal-working industries.Methods: Between 1990 and 1999, all new cases of OSD and their causes were prospectively recorded in all metal-working enterprises of Northern Bavaria. We calculated the incidence rates according to the average employed population. Furthermore, we analysed the different allergens, irritants and constitutional factors (e.g. atopy) in the affected metal workers.Results: In metal workers, a total of 700 OSDs were registered which comprise 18.8% of all OSDs in our register. They were classified into metal-surface processors (260 OSDs, yearly incidence per 10,000 employees = 10.4), metal processors (129 OSDs, 5.9), locksmiths and automobile mechanics (119 OSDs, 2.5), electrical industry (69 OSDs, 1.4), machinists (47 OSDs, 11.6), mechanics (40 OSDs, 6.6), electroplaters (22 OSDs, 20.6) and solderers (14 OSDs, 13.4). The proportion between allergic (ACD) and irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) varies conspicuously. While electroplaters and solderers predominantly suffer from ACD (82% resp. 71%), in other occupational groups ICD is more common: mechanics (60%), locksmiths and automobile mechanics (59%) or metal-surface processors (53%). The type IV allergens differ widely depending on the occupational exposure. The most important allergen in solderers is colophony, in electroplaters nickel sulphate and potassium dichromate. There is a wide range of allergens in metal working fluids and it is mandatory to patch test patient‘s own working materials due to the fact that important allergens are not yet included in the screening series.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.0105-1873.2004.0309au.x
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