Hand dermatitis and allergic patch test reactions caused by nickel in electroplaters

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Dermatology
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Nickel plating is a common industrial process with potential for worker exposure.
• Nickel exposure can lead to various skin conditions, including nickel dermatitis and hand eczema.
• Understanding the prevalence of nickel allergy and associated risk factors in electroplaters is crucial for workplace safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence of nickel allergy and hand dermatosis among electroplating workers in Finland.
• To investigate the relationship between occupational exposure to nickel and skin symptoms.
• To evaluate the utility of patch testing in identifying nickel allergy in this occupational group.

Main Methods:

• A worksite survey was conducted in 38 Finnish electroplating plants.
• 163 workers involved in nickel plating were interviewed using a questionnaire.
• Patch testing with nickel sulfate was performed using the TRUE TestTM method.

Main Results:

• 30-35% of workers reported present or past hand dermatosis.
• 19% had a history of atopic dermatitis.
• Nickel allergy prevalence (allergic patch test reaction to nickel sulfate) was 15% in women and 4% in men, similar to Finnish patch test clinic patients.
• 70% of those with allergic reactions reported hand eczema.
• Longer occupational exposure was observed in men (14 years) compared to women (10 years).

Conclusions:

• The prevalence of nickel allergy among Finnish electroplaters is comparable to that found in clinical settings.
• Occupational exposure in nickel plating poses a significant risk for hand dermatosis and nickel allergy.
• An allergic patch test reaction to nickel sulfate does not automatically require an electroplater to change their occupation.