Fragrance sensitivity in coal miners

In a prospective study, we have examined the incidence of fragrance sensitivity in Nottinghamshire coal miners. Our results confirm previous reports of an increased incidence of such sensitivity in miners (45%) when compared with both male (20%) and female (13%) non-miners. This increased incidence is not related to an increased use of perfumed cosmetics, but may be related to the use of a highly perfumed body lotion in subjects who already have a high incidence of irritant hand eczema. There was no significant increase in the rate of positive reactions to other applied allergens.