Contact dermatitis due to benzisothiazolone in a works analytical team

In the quality control laboratory of a chemical firm, 11 of 16 men developed dermatitis. Of the allergenic substances used, seven men reacted to benzisothiazolone, two to dinitrochlorobenzene, and none to diphenylamine. Two men were negative to all three substances. A poorly ventilated humid working environment was thought to be an important contributory factor.