RAGWEED DERMATITIS AMONG WORKERS IN THE FLOUR AND GRAIN INDUSTRIES

Abstract

Eczematous dermatitis due to sensitization to the common ragweed plant (Ambrosia artemisiaefolia) has frequently been observed in farmers and others engaged in work in the open fields. The dermatitis in workers of this type usually appears in August, during the period when ragweed pollenates, and disappears soon after the first frost. Persistence of the dermatitis beyond the appearance of frost may be due to the presence of the oleoresins, particles of the weed or pollen in the clothing or to the presence of particles of the weed or pollen in dust about the barn or elsewhere. Ragweed sensitization is frequently accompanied by sensitization to pyrethrum, turpentine, burweed and marsh elder (Brunsting and Anderson¹) and in our experience also feverfew, bitterweed and in a few instances flax and its products, such as linseed oil. Thus it is possible for ragweed dermatitis to persist as a result of exposure to these