Occupational dermatoses in foundry workers at an automobile manufacturing plant

Background: Many employees working in cast iron foundry process at an automobile production plant suffered from similar dermatoses due to occupational exposure. But data on the occupational dermatoses in foundry workers at an automobile production plant have not been reported in Korea. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of dermatoses in relation to occupational exposure in cast iron foundry process at an automobile production plant. Methods: 188 workers working in the foundry process were investigated for the presence of dermatoses using a questionnaire and a dermatological examination. The questionnaire included the past or present history of occupational exposure, dermatoses and atopy and so on. Patch test with Korean standard allergen and additional related allergen was performed in 38 workers who were suspected to have contact dermatitis in relation to occupational exposure. Results: The results are summarized as follows; 1. The most common 5 dermatoses were dermatophytoses(40), contact dermatitis(18), folliculitis (11), atopic dermatitis(9) and hand eczema(5). 2. The determined risk factors to the skin were hot environmental condition, silica, organic solvent nickel and chrome. 3. The incidence of irritant contact dermatitis was much higher than that of allergic contact dermatitis. 4. The frequency of irritant contact dermatitis was much higher in atopics than in non-atopics. 5. Contact sensitization was found in 6 workers and sensitizing substances were cobalt, nickel, colophony, quinoline mixture and balsam of Peru. Conclusion: Based on these clinical and epidemiological observations, it is suggested that the health and safety educational programs about the occupational dermatoses are needed for workers.