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Self-reported skin symptoms in metal workers.
Katri Suuronen1, Riita Jolanki, Ritva Luukkonen
1Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Occupational Medicine, Helsinki, Finland. katri.suuronen@ttl.fi
Contact Dermatitis
|September 18, 2007
Summary
Metal workers experience significant skin issues, with 20% reporting hand dermatitis and 10% other work-related skin conditions. These conditions, including hand dermatitis (HD), increase the risk of skin symptoms in machinists.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Dermatology
- Industrial Hygiene
Background:
- Metal industry workers, including machinists and machine maintenance personnel, are exposed to metal-working fluids.
- These fluids are known irritants and allergens, potentially causing contact dermatitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of skin symptoms in metal workers.
- To compare the risk of skin symptoms in metal workers versus office workers (controls).
Main Methods:
- A telephone questionnaire was administered to 726 male metal workers and 84 controls.
- Data collected included work details, atopy history, and skin symptom prevalence.
- Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate risk ratios.
Main Results:
- 20% of metal workers reported recurring or prolonged hand or forearm dermatitis (HD) in the past 12 months.
- 10% of metal workers reported recurring dermatitis elsewhere (DE) related to work.
- The risk of HD was approximately double, and the risk of DE was approximately fourfold compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Hand dermatitis (HD) in machinists can be severe, impacting mood and work activities.
- Dermatitis elsewhere (DE) may also have clinical significance for machinists.
- Occupational skin exposure in the metal industry poses a considerable health risk.
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