Occupational contact dermatitis in New South Wales

Five hundred and seventy patients with occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) were seen between 1984 and 1990 at the Skin and Cancer Foundation in Sydney. Data derived from these patients demonstrated that hairdressing, food, construction and the medical industries were the most at risk of OCD. The hairdressing and food industries had a high percentage of apprentices suffering OCD whilst the 35 to 44 year age bracket was most at risk in the construction industry. Allergic contact dermatitis was responsible for 38.2% of cases. The main allergens were chromate, thiuram, epoxy resin, nickel and cobalt. A third (33.9%) of patients were atopic. The average time lost from work was 16 days each year and the calculated yearly cost of OCD in New South Wales was approximately $12 million.