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Occupational contact dermatitis in blue‐collar workers: results from a multicentre study from the D anish C ontact D ermatitis G roup (2003–2012)
Author(s) -
Schwensen Jakob F.,
Menné Torkil,
Veien Niels K.,
Funding Anne T.,
Avnstorp Christian,
Østerballe Morten,
Andersen Klaus E.,
Paulsen Evy,
Mørtz Charlotte G.,
Sommerlund Mette,
Danielsen Anne,
Andersen Bo L.,
Thormann Jens,
Kristensen Ove,
Kristensen Berit,
Vissing Susanne,
Nielsen Niels H.,
Thyssen Jacob P.,
Johansen Jeanne D.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
contact dermatitis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.524
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1600-0536
pISSN - 0105-1873
DOI - 10.1111/cod.12277
Subject(s) - medicine , blue collar , contact dermatitis , allergic contact dermatitis , dermatology , potassium dichromate , patch test , allergy , surgery , immunology , economics , inorganic chemistry , chemistry , labour economics
Summary Background Blue‐collar workers have a high risk of occupational contact dermatitis, but epidemiological studies are scarce. Objectives To investigate allergic contact dermatitis in blue‐collar workers with dermatitis registered by the D anish C ontact D ermatitis G roup. Methods A retrospective analysis of patch test data from 1471 blue‐collar workers and 1471 matched controls tested between 2003 and 2012 was performed. A logistic regression was used to test for associations. Results The blue‐collar workers often had occupational hand dermatitis ( p < 0.001). Atopic dermatitis was less commonly observed among blue‐collar workers (19.6%) than among controls (23.9%) ( p = 0.005). Allergens with a statistically significant association with the occupational group of blue‐collar workers were epoxy resins, methyldibromo glutaronitrile, 2‐bromo‐2‐nitro‐1,3‐propanediol, potassium dichromate, and methylchloroisothiazolinone ( MCI )/methylisothiazolinone ( MI ). The following occupations were additionally identified as risk factors for contact sensitization to MCI / MI and MI , epoxy resins, and potassium dichromate, respectively: painting, construction work, and tile setting/terrazzo work. Conclusion Contact allergy is a major problem among blue‐collar workers. The data indicate a healthy worker effect among blue‐collar workers diagnosed with dermatitis, as blue‐collar workers were diagnosed significantly less often with atopic dermatitis than were controls.