Contact dermatitis in tie and dye industry workers

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Occupational Health
• Industrial Toxicology

Background:

• The 'Tie and Dye' industry in Jodhpur City, India, involves numerous chemicals.
• Occupational dermatoses are a potential health risk for workers in this sector.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of occupational dermatoses in the 'Tie and Dye' industry of Jodhpur.
• To identify specific dyes and chemicals causing skin reactions.

Main Methods:

• A survey of 250 workers in the Jodhpur 'Tie and Dye' industry.
• Clinical examination for skin lesions.
• Patch testing with various dyes and chemicals on 26 affected patients.

Main Results:

• 16.6% (49 out of 250) of workers had incapacitating dermatitis.
• Skin lesions predominantly affected the hands and fingers.
• 14 out of 26 patch-tested patients showed positive reactions.
• Fast Red RC salt was identified as the most potent sensitizer.

Conclusions:

• Occupational dermatitis is a significant issue in Jodhpur's 'Tie and Dye' industry.
• Several dyes, including Fast Red RC salt, Orange GC salt, Bordeaux GP salt, Blue B salt, Red B base, and naphthol, are identified as allergens.