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Occupational skin disease in the construction industry
M Bock1, A Schmidt, T Bruckner
1Department of Clinical Social Medicine, Centre of Occupational and Environmental Dermatology, University of Heidelberg, Thibautstrasse 3, D-69115 Heidelberg, Germany.
The British Journal of Dermatology
|December 17, 2003
Summary
Occupational skin diseases (OSD) are common in construction. Potassium dichromate remains a primary allergen, particularly affecting tile setters and terrazzo workers, with no significant decline in cases during the 1990s.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Construction workers face high risks of irritant and allergic contact dermatitis.
- Limited population-based epidemiological data exists for occupational skin diseases (OSD) in the European construction sector.
- Assessing preventive measures for OSD in construction requires robust epidemiological data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the yearly incidence rates and causes of OSD in the construction industry in Northern Bavaria.
- To provide population-based epidemiological data on OSD within a specific European region.
Main Methods:
- Prospective recording of all OSD incidences in the construction industry from 1990 to 1999.
- Calculation of OSD incidence rates based on the employed population data from the German Federal Employment Office.
- Classification of OSD cases into relevant occupational groups.
Main Results:
- A total of 335 OSD cases were registered, representing 9.0% of all OSD cases.
- The highest incidence rates were observed in tile setters and terrazzo workers (19.9 per 10,000 employees).
- Potassium dichromate was the most significant allergen, causing 152 cases of sensitization, followed by epoxy resin and cobalt chloride.
Conclusions:
- Potassium dichromate remains the leading occupational allergen in the construction industry in Northern Bavaria, with no decline observed in the 1990s.
- Tile setters and terrazzo workers exhibit a notably high incidence of OSD.
- Findings contrast with Scandinavian countries where chromium VI levels have been reduced, leading to decreased sensitization.