Occupational dermatitis. An epidemiological study in the rubber and cement industries

Abstract

An epidemiological study of occupational dermatitis in a tire company and a cement company is reported. Of 999 tire workers 97% and of 151 cement workers, 78% were screened by an occupational nurse and subsequently assessed by a dermatologist. Prevalence rates of occupational contact dermatitis were 37/1000 and 68/1000 in the tire and cement companies, respectively. Maintenance workers and tire builders (particularly if they were Yugoslav and female) had high prevalence rates amongst tire workers. Workers compensation claim rates for the tire company are similar to UK and USA rates for this industry. Prevalence rates of 37/1000 can be considered as a lower limit for this industry. The high prevalence rates in the cement company are noteworthy.