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Irritant contact dermatitis and chrome-passivated metal
D P Bruynzeel1, G Hennipman, W G van Ketel
1Department of Occupational Dermatology, Free University Academic Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Contact Dermatitis
|September 1, 1988
Summary
An electronics factory outbreak of irritant contact dermatitis affected 24/41 employees. Mechanical factors and zinc-chromium compounds caused hand dermatitis, which was resolved by using an emollient.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Dermatology
- Industrial Hygiene
Background:
- An electronics factory reported an unusual increase in hand dermatitis among employees.
- The outbreak occurred after the introduction of a new assembly line.
- Hand dermatitis is a common occupational skin condition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cause of the hand dermatitis outbreak.
- To identify the contributing factors to the skin condition.
- To determine an effective solution for the affected employees.
Main Methods:
- Epidemiological investigation of an electronics factory workforce.
- Clinical examination of affected employees.
- Identification of potential workplace irritants and mechanical factors.
Main Results:
- 24 out of 41 employees (58.5%) presented with signs of irritant contact dermatitis.
- Fingertips and dorsal aspects of the hands were the most affected areas.
- Dermatitis was attributed to a combination of mechanical factors and zinc-chromium compounds from galvanized steel.
Conclusions:
- The outbreak of hand dermatitis was linked to specific workplace exposures.
- Mechanical stress and chemical irritants from galvanized steel were identified as primary causes.
- The application of an emollient proved to be an effective intervention for resolving the dermatitis.