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[Developments in chromate allergy in the German construction industry]
M Bock1, A Schmidt, T Bruckner
1Klinische Sozialmedizin, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg.
Summary
Potassium dichromate sensitization remains high in Germany
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Dermatology
- Environmental Health
Context:
- Potassium dichromate is a significant occupational allergen in construction.
- Scandinavian countries saw reduced sensitization after low-chromate cement introduction.
- German construction industry showed no decline in sensitization during the 1990s.
Purpose:
- To analyze trends in potassium dichromate sensitization in the German construction industry.
- To compare German trends with Scandinavian experiences.
- To evaluate the impact of German legislation and industry commitments on sensitization rates.
Summary:
- Despite German legislation in 1993 and industry commitments to reduce water-soluble chromates in cement, sensitization to potassium dichromate has not significantly declined in the German construction sector.
- Data from Northern Bavaria and workers' compensation boards indicate a lack of decline during the 1990s.
- The effectiveness of current measures and the future decline in sensitization remain uncertain.
Impact:
- Highlights the need for stricter regulations or alternative solutions to reduce chromate exposure.
- Suggests that low-chromate cement use, as in Scandinavia, could be beneficial for Germany.
- Underscores the ongoing challenge of managing occupational allergies in the construction industry.