Occupational allergic contact dermatitis among construction workers in India

Abstract

Background:Allergic contact dermatitis is one of the important occupational hazards in construction workers and it often leads to poor quality of life of the workers with substantial financial loss. However, this is often a neglected entity. There are no past studies on the construction workers in Indian subcontinent.Objective:This pilot study has been done to assess the allergological profile among the workers engaged in construction of roads and bridges.Materials and Methods:The study was conducted among the workers working on construction of a bridge, flyover, and roads in West Bengal, India. Sixteen workers were selected on clinical suspicion. Ten were selected randomly and patch tested with Indian standard battery of patch test allergens. Analysis of reactions and relevance of positive test was assessed as per standard guidelines.Results:All the workers were men. Average age of workers was 24.8 years (range, 19-34 years). Dermatitis affected exposed parts in 93.75% and covered areas in 62.5%. Total positive test was 24 and relevant 11. Most common allergens were chromate (relevant allergy/RA: in 60% of patch tested workers), epoxy resin (RA: 30%), cobalt (RA: 20%), nickel (RA: 20%), thiuram mixture (RA: 10%) and black rubber mix (RA: 10%). Two cases (20%) had irritant contact dermatitis.Conclusion:The result indicated that chromate is the most frequent allergen among construction workers in this part of India. High frequency of involvement of the covered areas as well as the exposed areas highlighted the fact that the allergens had access to most body parts of the workers.

Prevalence of occupational contact dermatitis, knowledge and adaption of preventive measures by chemical industries workers of Pune: An observational study

“…Among the 26 participants, ODDI score ranged from 2 to 7 and mean (standard deviation [SD]) was 4.2 (1.44). Upper middle (II) [11][12][13][14][15] Lower middle (III) 5-10…”

“…Abound researches are carried out to assess the prevalence, incidence, preventive measures, etiological factors and managements of occupation-related health disorders in developed countries [11]. Though, few studies were documented regarding prevalence of occupational dermatitis in different industries and workplace in India, [2][3][4][12][13][14] however, none of the studies showed the prevalence of eczema (OCD), knowledge and adaption of preventive measures toward occupational hazards in workers of chemical industries in Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) area of Pimpri Chinchwad, Pune. Hence, this study was conducted.…”

Health Problems among Women Building Construction Workers

“…3 high level of illiteracy affects their knowledge regarding the use of personal protective devices. 12 some respondents reported different types of respiratory problems. In another study who were periodically working in the construction industry, reported diverse types of respiratory complaints.…”

Impact of cement factory operations on air quality and human health in Ewekoro Local Government Area, South-Western Nigeria

“…Generally, production workers, the engineers, maintenance and quarry workers had similar health profiles compared to other categories of workers. The prevalence of dermatitis and eczema related to cement dust among these workers is already documented among cement workers elsewhere [27][28][29]. Similarly, respiratory diseases are reported commonly by workers that had frequent and continuous exposure to dust [16,30,31] including cement.…”