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Dermatoses in cement workers in southern Taiwan
1Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, National Cheng Kung University Medical College, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC.
Contact Dermatitis
|February 3, 1999
Summary
Occupational skin problems are common in Taiwanese cement workers, particularly men. Improved protective measures and physician education are crucial for managing cement-related dermatitis.
Area of Science:
- Occupational dermatology
- Environmental health
- Public health
Background:
- Occupational dermatoses are prevalent among construction workers.
- Data on dermatoses prevalence in Taiwanese construction workers was lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine work exposure, prevalence of skin manifestations, and contact allergen sensitivity in southern Taiwan cement workers.
- To investigate factors associated with skin problems in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Telephone interviews with 1147 cement workers regarding skin issues and work exposure.
- Clinical examination and patch testing with common allergens for 166 workers.
- Analysis of prevalence, risk factors, and allergen sensitivity.
Main Results:
- A high percentage of cement workers reported skin problems, with higher prevalence in men.
- Skin issues correlated with reduced glove use, longer work duration, and direct cement handling (especially tiling).
- Patch testing revealed high sensitivity to chromate, linked to reported skin problems and hand dermatitis.
Conclusions:
- Cement workers in southern Taiwan exhibit a high prevalence of cement-related skin problems.
- Dermatitis in these workers is often under-diagnosed and inadequately managed.
- Enhanced protective measures, work practices, and physician education are recommended.