Surveillance of occupational skin disease: EPIDERM and OPRA

Abstract

Consultant dermatologists in the U.K. have been reporting to EPIDERM, a voluntary surveillance scheme for occupational skin disease, since February 1993; reporting by occupational physicians to the scheme began in May 1994 and was superseded in January 1996 by OPRA (Occupational Physicians Reporting Activity). Currently 244 dermatologists and 790 occupational physicians report incident cases to these schemes. During the 6 years to January 1999 a total of 12, 574 new cases of occupational skin disease was estimated from reports by consultant dermatologists and 10,136 cases estimated from occupational physicians (since May 1994). The annual incidence of occupational contact dermatitis using data from both schemes was 12. 9 per 100,000 workers. The incidence of contact dermatitis per 100, 000 workers increased with age in men from 4.9 (age 16-29 years) to 6.6 (age 45-60 years); in women a higher rate (9.5) was apparent in the younger age group, with lower rates in older female workers. High rates in young workers were associated with wet work and in older workers with exposure to oils. For men, high rates of contact dermatitis were seen in reports from both schemes for chemical operatives, machine tool setters and operatives, coach and spray painters and metal workers. For women, high rates were found for hairdressers, biological scientists and laboratory workers, nurses and those working in catering. The most frequent agents for contact dermatitis were rubber chemicals and materials (14.1% of cases reported by dermatologists), soaps and cleaners (12.7%), nickel (11. 9%), wet work (11.1%), personal protective equipment (6.2%), petroleum products (6.3%), cutting oils and coolants (5.6%), and epoxy and other resins (6.1%). In the 1608 estimated cases of skin cancer all but 4% were attributed to ultraviolet radiation. Cases of contact urticaria attributed to latex peaked in 1996, with a decline in cases since that time.

Combined exposure to carbon disulfide and sulfuric acid simultaneously increases the risk of hand dermatitis in rayon industry

“…This was also higher than the prevalence of 22.5% for occupational skin diseases from occupational solvent exposure by Goon and Goh (2000). Occupational exposure to detergents, occlusive glove use and wet work found in previous studies accounted for only 12.7%, 6.2%, and 11.1% of the prevalence rates of contact dermatitis, respectively (Cherry et al, 2000). These potential confounding factors are not able to account for the significantly higher prevalence of occupational contact dermatitis on hands in this study.…”

Epoxy Resin Monomers with Reduced Skin Sensitizing Potency

“…2,3 They are known to be extremely sensitizing to the skin and can sensitize upon first contact. 4 ACD has been reported from various epoxy resin system components, [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] most commonly from exposure to DGEBA and DGEBF.…”

Dermatology: the last 30 years – a rollercoaster ride

“…The burden of occupational skin disease is now widely recognised and is increasing. 22 Occupations most prejudicial to skin health include hairdressing, machine tool operation and printing. The cost of absenteeism due to occupational skin disease is increasing, and medico-legal issues arising from compensation claims are a regular feature of the contemporary dermatologist's work.…”