Prevalence and risk factors of occupational hand dermatoses in electronics workers

Gender- and age-specific associations between psychosocial work conditions and perceived work sustainability in the general working population in Taiwan

OBJECTIVES

One aspect of work sustainability pertains to workers' intention to remain in their current job until reaching retirement age. Various adverse working conditions are expected to diminish work sustainability among different social groups. This study aims to examine these associations across gender and age groups.

METHODS

The study participants were 19,152 economically-active adults in a national survey conducted in Taiwan. Information concerning psychosocial working conditions were obtained through interviews, using the Job Content Questionnaire. Work sustainability was evaluated by one question that asked whether the participants felt they would be able to do their current job until the age of 60. The association between psychosocial work conditions and work sustainability was examined by logistic regression analysis. We further performed stratified analysis to explore age and gender-specific associations.

RESULTS

We observed that 14.2% and 17.1% of male and female workers reported low work sustainability. Workers in the electronics industries and female workers in the healthcare and education sectors reported low work sustainability. Gender-specific analyses showed that low job control among men and shift work among women were significantly associated with low work sustainability. Age-specific analyses indicated that having poor health, shift work, and long working hours in younger workers, and having low job control in older workers were associated with low work sustainability.

CONCLUSION

To retain older workers in the labor market, policies should aim at the improvement of psychosocial work conditions, and gender- and age-specific issues should be taken into consideration.

Time-trends for eczema prevalences among children and adults from 1985 to 2015 in China: a systematic review

Background

Several studies have reported that childhood prevalence of eczema has been increasing worldwide. However, none study quantitatively evaluated prevalence trends of eczema among children and adults in the last 30 years in China.

Methods and Findings

Via a systematic review of literature databases in English and Chinese, we summarized all studies reporting eczema prevalences from 1985 to 2015 in China as well as diagramed prevalence and eczematous population trends against year for different age groups. A total of 93 studies and 17 studies (16 for children and one for adults) were selected for qualitative and quantitative synthesis, respectively. Childhood lifetime-ever eczema prevalences ranged from 10.0% to 30.0%. Prevalences among 3-12-year-olds children showed increasing trends in most specific cities, but national lifetime-ever eczema prevalences among 13-14-year-olds children decreased from 10.6% in 2001 to 8.6% in 2009 in mainland China. We estimated that about 1.5 million children aged 13-14-year-olds in 2009 and 15.5 million children aged 3-6-year-olds in 2012 had lifetime-ever eczema in mainland China. Similar studies were too few to ascertain time-trends of eczema prevalence among adults. About 39.4, 20.0, and 11.6 million adults aged 15-86-year-olds in 2010 had contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis in the mainland China, respectively.

Conclusions

The burden of eczema became heavier in young children, whereas perhaps had been reduced in adolescent in China. More studies for eczema prevalence in adults are warranted.

Neglected exposure route: cobalt on skin and its associations with urinary cobalt levels

OBJECTIVES

Cobalt (Co) exposure is associated with adverse health effects including skin sensitisation, asthma and interstitial lung fibrosis. Exposure to Co in industrial settings is often assessed using air samples or biomonitoring in urine. Skin exposure is rarely measured. Aim of this study was to quantify and compare the importance of Co skin exposure and respiratory exposure in determining urinary Co concentrations.

METHODS

Co skin exposure was measured in 76 hard metal workers by acid wipe sampling before and at the end of work shifts. Spot urine was collected during a 24-hour period from the start of a shift. Respiratory exposure was measured by personal inhalable dust sampling during a shift in 30 workers. Co was analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

Quantile regression modelling showed that a doubling of Co on skin before or at the end of shift increased the median urinary concentration of Co by 70% (p<0.001) or 32% (p<0.001), respectively. A doubling of Co in air increased median urinary Co by 38% (p<0.001). Co skin exposures were still significantly associated with urinary Co after excluding a group of workers with high respiratory exposure (33%, p=0.021 and 17%, p=0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate an association between Co skin exposure and urinary Co concentrations. This should be considered when using urinary Co as a biomarker of exposure.

Dermatoses among automobile mechanics in Mansoura, Egypt

This cross-sectional study was carried out in Mansoura, Egypt to assess the prevalence of occupational dermatoses and their possible risk factors on a convenience sample of car mechanics. Sociodemographic and occupational data were collected, and clinical examination was done. Prevalence of skin diseases was 45.4% and that of exclusively occupational skin diseases was 9.2%. Irritant contact dermatitis, eczema, and tar/oil acne were the most common types (4.6%, 3.1%, 3.1%, respectively). The logistic regression analysis revealed that the risk of occupational dermatoses increased significantly with lack of use of personal protective equipment, longer duration of work, and presence of workplace chemicals (adjusted odds ratio [95% CI] were 7.2 [2.7, 19.0], 4.3 [1.7, 10.9], and 3.7 [1.3, 10.5], respectively). Health education and safety measures are essential for prevention and control of hazardous workplace practices and exposure.

Occupational dermatoses reported in Brazil from 2007 to 2014

BACKGROUND

Occupational diseases are very prevalent in the world, especially in developing countries. Occupational dermatoses are responsible for most of these cases. However, epidemiological studies are rare in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES

To verify the panorama of occupational skin diseases in Brazil describing frequencies of work-related dermatoses and their sociodemographic and occupational patterns.

METHODS

We used retrospective data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System, (from 2007-2014) tabulated with the Tab program for Windows - TabWin12. We used intentional non-probability sampling and sequential selection, considering all notified occupational dermatoses.

RESULTS

All cases of occupational dermatoses referred to in the period were analyzed (n = 4710). Males and the age group of 35-49 years were the most affected. The most affected body area was the upper limb (34.2%) and the hand (25.4%). The "causative agent" field in the forms was not filled in 69.4% of cases, with chrome as the most prevalent cause reported (11.8%). ICD-10 codes more prevalent were L23, L24, and L25, corresponding to 34.2% of the sample. In total, 29% of patients needed to take a sick leave. No cases evolved to death and there were 0.2% of total as permanent disability.

STUDY LIMITATIONS

The amount of missing information for various items in the system draws attention.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of patients with occupational dermatitis include the identification and removal of the causative agent and specific treatment of the disease. Diagnosis delay in cases of occupational dermatoses brings social and financial consequences to the work and life of workers.

Cobalt skin dose resulting from short and repetitive contact with hard metals

BACKGROUND

Many daily contacts with metallic items are short and repetitive, and result in metal release; material, sweat, friction and wear may all be important.

OBJECTIVES

To study cobalt release and skin deposition as a result of many short and repetitive contacts with two cobalt-containing materials.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Study participants (n = 5) handled two types of hard metal disc (Co 6% and Co 15% Cr 0.6%) for 30 min. Deposited cobalt skin doses were measured with acid wipe sampling and chemical analysis. Cobalt release from the hard metal discs in artificial sweat was measured under conditions simulating those present during the handling of discs.

RESULTS

Average cobalt skin doses from discs containing 6% Co and 15% Co 0.6% Cr were 1.1 µg/cm(2) [standard deviation (SD) 0.4 µg/cm(2) ] and 0.7 µg/cm(2) (SD 0.5 µg/cm(2) ), respectively. More cobalt was released from hard metal discs containing 6% Co [11.4 µg/cm(2) (SD 1.2 µg/cm(2) )] than from discs containing 15% Co 0.6% Cr [4.8 µg/cm(2) (SD 0.6 µg/cm(2) )]. 10% to 15% of the potentially available cobalt was deposited on the skin during handling.

CONCLUSIONS

It is likely that the cobalt deposited as a result of short and repetitive contact with hard metals may cause harm. Research regarding cobalt exposure, metal release and the deposition of skin-sensitizing metals resulting from short and repetitive contact is needed for a better understanding of the allergy risk.

Environmental and risk screening for prioritizing pollution prevention opportunities in the U.S. printed wiring board manufacturing industry

Modern manufacturing of printed wiring boards (PWBs) involves extensive use of various hazardous chemicals in different manufacturing steps such as board preparation, circuit design transfer, etching and plating processes. Two complementary environmental screening methods developed by the U.S. EPA, namely: (i) the Tool for the Reduction and Assessment of Chemical and Other Environmental Impacts (TRACI) and (ii) Risk-Screening Environmental Indicators (RSEI), are used to quantify geographic and chemical environmental impacts in the U.S. PWB manufacturing industry based on Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) data. Although the release weight percentages of industrial chemicals such as methanol, glycol ethers and dimethylformamide comprise the larger fraction of reported air and water emissions, results indicate that lead, copper and their compounds' releases correspond to the highest environmental impact from toxicity potentials and risk-screening scores. Combining these results with further knowledge of PWB manufacturing, select alternative chemical processes and materials for pollution prevention are discussed. Examples of effective pollution prevention options in the PWB industry include spent etchant recovery technologies, and process and material substitutions. In addition, geographic assessment of environmental burden highlights states where promotion of pollution prevention strategies and emissions regulations can have the greatest effect to curb the PWB industry's toxic release impacts.

Evidence-based guidelines for the prevention, identification and management of occupational contact dermatitis and urticaria

BACKGROUND

Occupational contact dermatitis is the most frequently reported work-related skin disease in many countries. A systematic review was commissioned by the British Occupational Health Research Foundation in response to a House of Lords Science and Technology Committee recommendation.

OBJECTIVES

The systematic review aims to improve the prevention, identification and management of occupational contact dermatitis and urticaria by providing evidence-based recommendations.

METHODS

The literature was searched systematically using Medline and Embase for English-language articles published up to the end of September 2009. Evidence-based statements and recommendations were graded using the Royal College of General Practitioner's three-star system and the revised Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network grading system.

RESULTS

Three thousand one hundred and fifty-five abstracts were identified and screened. From these, 786 full papers were obtained and appraised. One hundred and nineteen of these studies were used to produce 36 graded evidence statements and 10 key recommendations.

CONCLUSIONS

This evidence review and its recommendations focus on interventions and outcomes to provide a robust approach to the prevention, identification and occupational management of occupational contact dermatitis and urticaria, based on and using the best available medical evidence.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and related factors in Taiwanese high-tech industry workers

OBJECTIVES

In light of the increasing number of high-tech industry workers and the differences in their working conditions compared to those of the general population, the health status of these workers merits serious attention. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its correlates among Taiwanese high-tech industry workers.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 4,666 workers who participated in labor health examinations at a hospital in southern Taiwan in 2008. Participants with metabolic syndrome were defined using the criteria proposed by the Taiwan National Department of Health in 2007. Factors associated with metabolic syndrome were determined using multiple logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 8.2%, and the prevalence was higher in men than in women (14.0% vs. 2.3%, p<0.01). Male gender, advanced age, elevated white blood count, and elevated levels of blood biochemistry markers, such as alanine aminotransferase and uric acid, can independently predict metabolic syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome among high-tech industry workers is lower than in the general population. Our study's findings may facilitate early health assessments and the provision of proper workplace health promotion programs to reduce the risks faced by high-risk workers.

Innovative management of severe hand dermatitis

The successful treatment of hand dermatitis (HD) depends less on the selection of the proper topical steroid or a particular systemic agent than on addressing any underlying cause or perpetuating factor. Thus, innovative treatment is based on comprehensively addressing the patient's problem. Aggressive approaches may be required for the most severe forms of HD.

Occupational Health Nursing Practice, Education, and Research in Taiwan

This article describes occupational health nursing practice, education, research, and future perspectives in Taiwan. It also provides a brief overview of major occupational health and safety problems, laws and regulations, and organizations in Taiwan.

Dermatitis de manos

Hand dermatitis is a common skin disease that often has a chronic and relapsing course. Several subtypes of hand dermatitis have been described. In this review, we describe the clinical characteristics of each form of hand eczema, laboratory tests helpful in the diagnosis, and treatment options for this condition.

Printed circuit board industry

The printed circuit board is the platform upon which microelectronic components such as semiconductor chips and capacitors are mounted. It provides the electrical interconnections between components and is found in virtually all electronics products. Once considered low technology, the printed circuit board is evolving into a high-technology product. Printed circuit board manufacturing is highly complicated, requiring large equipment investments and over 50 process steps. Many of the high-speed, miniaturized printed circuit boards are now manufactured in cleanrooms with the same health and safety problems posed by other microelectronics manufacturing. Asia produces three-fourths of the world's printed circuit boards. In Asian countries, glycol ethers are the major solvents used in the printed circuit board industry. Large quantities of hazardous chemicals such as formaldehyde, dimethylformamide, and lead are used by the printed circuit board industry. For decades, chemically intensive and often sloppy manufacturing processes exposed tens of thousands of workers to a large number of chemicals that are now known to be reproductive toxicants and carcinogens. The printed circuit board industry has exposed workers to high doses of toxic metals, solvents, acids, and photolithographic chemicals. Only recently has there been any serious effort to diminish the quantity of lead distributed worldwide by the printed circuit board industry. Billions of electronics products have been discarded in every region of the world. This paper summarizes recent regulatory and enforcement efforts.