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Erschienen in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health 4/2011

01.04.2011 | Original Article

Occupational contact allergy in the building trade in Germany: influence of preventive measures and changing exposure

verfasst von: Johannes Geier, Andrea Krautheim, Wolfgang Uter, Holger Lessmann, Axel Schnuch

Erschienen in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Ausgabe 4/2011

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Abstract

Purpose

Since 1993, assiduous efforts have been made in Germany to lower the incidence of allergic cement dermatitis by reducing the content of hexavalent chromium (Cr VI). Usage of epoxy resin systems has considerably increased in the building trade in the same period. We analysed data of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK) to evaluate the influence of these changing occupational exposures on frequencies of sensitization.

Methods

IVDK data of 1,153 men working in the building trade (bricklayers, tile setters etc.) presenting with occupational skin disease in the years 1994–2008 were analysed, taking into consideration not only the year of patch testing, but also beginning and duration of work in the building trade.

Results

While contact sensitization to chromate decreased from 43.1 to 29.0%, sensitization to epoxy resin increased from 8.4 to 12.4%. Logistic regression analysis revealed that, compared to those who had already worked before 1994, patients having started to work in building trade after 1999 had a significantly decreased risk of chromate sensitization (odds ratio 0.42) and a significantly increased risk of sensitization to epoxy resin (odds ratio 2.79). Additionally, risk of thiuram sensitization increased with the duration of employment.

Conclusion

Our data confirm that reducing Cr VI content of cement is useful in preventing allergic cement eczema, as previously found in Scandinavia. In contrast, the increasing prevalence of contact sensitization to epoxy resin components in the building trade is alarming. Preventive measures, which have already been implemented, have to be enforced.
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Metadaten
Titel
Occupational contact allergy in the building trade in Germany: influence of preventive measures and changing exposure
verfasst von
Johannes Geier
Andrea Krautheim
Wolfgang Uter
Holger Lessmann
Axel Schnuch
Publikationsdatum
01.04.2011
Verlag
Springer-Verlag
Erschienen in
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Ausgabe 4/2011
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Elektronische ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-010-0581-8

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