Related Experiment Videos
Occupational dermatitis from soldering flux.
Kozo Yokota1, Tsutomu Minami, Hiromi Michitsuji
1Matsushita Science Center of Industrial Hygiene, Tonoshima-cho, Kadoma, Osaka, Japan.
Industrial Health
|August 7, 2004
Summary
Soldering flux residue caused irritant contact dermatitis in electronic assemblers. Patch testing confirmed the flux, not rosin, as the irritant agent, even in unexposed individuals.
Area of Science:
- Occupational dermatology
- Contact dermatitis research
- Industrial hygiene
Background:
- Electronic assemblers may develop skin conditions from occupational exposures.
- Soldering flux is a known potential skin irritant and sensitizer.
Observation:
- Two electronic assemblers presented with forearm eczema after cleaning a flux-spraying unit.
- Patch testing was conducted using dried flux residue and rosin dilutions.
Findings:
- Flux residue elicited a positive reaction on patch testing, indicating irritant contact dermatitis.
- Rosin dilutions did not cause a reaction, ruling it out as the primary agent.
- Similar reactions in controls suggest irritancy rather than specific sensitization.
Implications:
- Soldering flux is identified as the cause of irritant contact dermatitis in this case series.
- Highlights the importance of evaluating all components in occupational dermatitis investigations.
- Suggests a need for improved handling procedures for soldering flux in electronic assembly.