Open AccessDermal Exposure, Handwashing, and Hand Dermatitis in the Rubber Manufacturing Industry
Author(s) -
Roel Vermeulen,
Hans Kromhout,
Derk P. Bruynzeel,
E. M. de Boer,
Bert Brunekreef
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
epidemiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.901
H-Index - 173
eISSN - 1531-5487
pISSN - 1044-3983
DOI - 10.1097/00001648-200105000-00016
Subject(s) - dermatology , medicine , odds ratio , hand dermatitis , confidence interval , hand eczema , population , irritant contact dermatitis , contact dermatitis , allergy , environmental health , immunology
Skin diseases, such as hand dermatitis, are thought to be a common problem in the rubber manufacturing industry, as workers are exposed to a wide range of chemicals with known irritant and sensitizing potential. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of rubber manufacturing workers (N = 202), selected from nine different rubber companies. Prevalence of hand dermatitis ("major" and "minor" dermatitis) and skin injuries was assessed on the basis of a diagnosis by a dermatologist. We investigated the possible relations between actual skin exposure, handwashing practices, and hand dermatitis. Prevalence of major hand dermatitis (7%) was comparable with that in the general population; however, minor signs of dermatitis were more common among the surveyed population (28%), as were traumata of the skin (17%). Dermal exposure to cyclohexane-soluble agents at work was related to the occurrence of major hand dermatitis, but not to the occurrence of minor hand dermatitis. Moderate and frequent handwashing especially with industrial surfactants containing scrubbing particles were found to be strongly associated with the occurrence of minor dermatitis [odds ratio = 4.27 (95% confidence interval = 0.90-20.27) and odds ratio = 6.38 (95% confidence interval = 1.33-30.17, respectively)].