Korean J Occup Environ Med.  2009 Dec;21(4):354-364.

Work-Relatedness of Occupational Contact Dermatitis in a Tire Factory

• Choi S
• Song HS
• Lee CG

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study investigated occupational contact dermatitis in a tire factory, prompted by a long history of complaints of skin ailments by the factory workers.
METHODS
Participants (n=160) completed a questionnaire concerning job characteristics and skin symptoms, and received a medical examination. Fifty-four workers with suspected work-related contact dermatitis were chosen for a patch test of contact-related dermatitis.
RESULTS
The most frequent positive reactions of patch test were produced by diphenylguanidine, formaldehyde and cobalt. Twenty-one of the 54 individuals (38.9%) were judged to have work-related skin disease.
CONCLUSIONS
Exposure to natural and synthetic rubbers and additive materials pose a risk of contact dermatitis in a tire manufacturing environment. Improved sanitary work practices and public health awareness measures are suggested.

Keyword

Occupational dermatitis; Contact dermatitis; Patch test

MeSH Terms

Cobalt
Dermatitis, Contact
Dermatitis, Occupational
Elastomers
Formaldehyde
Guanidines
Patch Tests
Public Health
Questionnaires
Skin
Cobalt
Elastomers
Formaldehyde
Guanidines