Epidemiology of contact dermatitis from pesticides in Japan

An epidemiological study was made of 216 patients with contact dermatitis from pesticides in Japanese rural regions from 1968 to 1970. They were analyzed according to conditions of use, sex, age, occupation, exposure, and season. The pesticides most often responsible were captafol (Difolatan) (28.7%), sulfurs (18.5%), highly and moderately toxic organic phosphates (18.1%), and chlorinated hydrocarbons (9.7%). Complications, sites of dermatitis, prognosis and factors contributing to onset of dermatitis are discussed.