Absence of platinum salt sensitivity in autocatalyst workers exposed to tetraamine platinum dichloride

Platinum salt sensitivity (PSS) is well recognized following occupational exposure to platinum salts, though specific platinum compounds have been suggested to be non-allergenic. We report on a cohort of autocatalyst workers exposed to tetraamine platinum dichloride (TPC) and other platinum-group elements.

All subjects employed at an autocatalyst production plant undertook medical surveillance with symptoms, examination findings and results of skin prick testing and spirometry prospectively recorded. Environmental testing of the workplace was also performed to determine the level of exposure.

Twenty-six subjects had a mean duration of employment of 46 (+/-30) months and undertook a mean 6.8 (+/-4.3) examinations. No subjects described the development of new respiratory or dermatological symptoms. No patients developed positive skin reactivity to platinum salts. FEV(1) remained unchanged for all subjects over the course of the study period.

TPC and platinum-group elements are not associated with the development of PSS or occupational asthma. Identification of chemical compounds is important when advising on occupational health screening. TPC and/or platinum-group elements should be used in preference to chloroplatinic acid in catalyst production to minimize the impact of occupational illness due to PSS.