Document ID (ISN) | 112300 |
CIS number |
12-0123 |
ISSN - Serial title |
0340-0131 - International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health |
Year |
2011 |
Convention or series no. |
|
Author(s) |
Geier J., Krautheim A., Uter W., Lessmann H., Schnuch A. |
Title |
Occupational contact allergy in the building trade in Germany: Influence of preventive measures and changing exposure |
Bibliographic information |
Apr. 2011, Vol.84, No.4, p.403-411. Illus. 26 ref. |
Internet access |
Occupational_contact_allergy_[INTERNET_FREE_ACCESS] [in English]
|
Abstract |
Since 1993, assiduous efforts have been made in Germany to lower the incidence of allergic cement dermatitis by reducing the content of hexavalent chromium (Cr VI). However, the use of epoxy resin systems in the building sector increased considerably during the same period. This study analysed data of the German Information Network of Departments of Dermatology to evaluate the influence of these changing occupational exposures on frequencies of sensitization. Data of 1,153 men working in the building sector presenting with occupational skin disease in the years 1994-2008 were analysed, taking into consideration not only the year of patch testing, but also beginning and duration of their employment in the building sector. While contact sensitization to chromate decreased from 43.1 to 29.0%, sensitization to epoxy resin increased from 8.4 to 12.4%. Logistic regression analysis revealed that, compared to those who had already worked before 1994, patients having started to work after 1999 had a significantly decreased risk of chromate sensitization (odds ratio 0.42) and a significantly increased risk of sensitization to epoxy resin (odds ratio 2.79). Additionally, risk of thiuram sensitization increased with the duration of employment. These findings confirm that reducing Cr(VI) content of cement is useful in preventing allergic cement eczema, as previously found in Scandinavia. In contrast, the increasing prevalence of contact sensitization to epoxy resin components in the building sector is a cause for concern. |
Descriptors (primary) |
Germany; chromium and compounds; epoxy resins; sensitization; skin allergies; eczema; building industry |
Descriptors (secondary) |
skin tests; long-term study; statistical evaluation; health service records; long-term exposure; frequency rates |
Document type |
D - Periodical articles |
Subject(s) |
Construction industry Occupational pathology
|
Broad subject area(s) |
Occupational medicine, epidemiology
|
Browse category(ies) |
Skin diseases Construction industry and civil engineering Allergies
|