Occupational hand dermatitis in car repair workers

Abstract

IntroductionExposure to used gasoline engine oils during oil change and other automobile repair services is common for many mechanics, electrical technicians, and other car service workers. We aimed to determine the prevalence of hand dermatitis in car repair workers with different specialty and actual dermal exposure hazards in the workplace.MethodsWe examined the dermal problems in 153 male car repair workers and compared it to 140 office workers. Exposed and control groups were administered a Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire. Dermal exposure score also was calculated.ResultsThe prevalence of hand dermatitis in car repair workers (19.0%) was significantly higher than office worker (7.9%) [OR: 2.74, (95% CI = 1.31, 5.73)] and also higher than general population. Prevalence of atopic dermatitis was significantly higher in exposed group that had hand dermatitis compared with those who had no hand dermatitis (P < 0.001). The highest hand dermatitis as well as actual dermal exposure was observed in the mechanics and transmission technician respectively.ConclusionCar repair workers have an elevated prevalence of hand dermatitis in comparison with office workers. The most important risk factors for hand dermatitis among car repair workers are atopic dermatitis and the next the level of skin exposure to potential skin hazards.

Urinary toluene levels and adverse health symptoms among automotive garage workers, Nakhon Si Thammarat province, Thailand

“…This result is in line with many previous studies [24,25]. Automotive garage workers are exposed to different chemicals in their workplaces, which is supported by El-Saadawy MS et al (2011) [26] who found garage workers are exposed to skin irritants in their workplaces [26][27][28], such as oils, greases, solvents, and detergents. Respiratory tract irritation was found in 49.29% of automotive garage workers, which is in line with a previous report [29] that reported workers exposed to VOCs presented lower levels of FVC, VC, and PEF than the control group, except FEV1/FVC%, FEV1, FEF2575 and FEV1/VC%.…”

“…The factors influencing behaviour depend on patterns of hand hygiene and self-protection. Besides, many chemical toxicants used in the automotive garage can be absorbed though the body, such as toluene, causing systemic toxicity by ingestion, inhalation, and being slowly absorbed through the skin [26][27][28]37]. Thus, hand hygiene behaviour with detergents can reduce exposures to chemicals and reduce risk exposure.…”

Workplace stress and associated factors among vehicle repair workers in Hawassa City, Southern Ethiopia

“…A study from India revealed a workplace stress prevalence of 47% [20]. Studies among vehicle repair workshops in different countries revealed that workers suffered from occupational injuries [3], excess exposure to chemicals [20][21][22][23], work-related musculoskeletal disorder [24], occupational contact dermatitis [25,26], and neurotoxicity [23]. Vehicle repair workers are exposed to workplace stressors including work in noisy and hot environments, poor psycho-social conditions, and awkward postures [11,20,27].…”

<p>Prevalence of Dermatitis and Superficial Fungal Infection of the Hands in Seafood Workers: An Investigation from Food Markets in Ningbo, China</p>

“…Hand dermatitis was defined as in previous studies. 5,9,12 We examined lesions on the hands, including erythema, plaques, papules, edema, blisters, scales, fissures, and ulcers. Nail changes were also detected.…”

“…2,4 Contact dermatitis account for 70-90% of hand dermatosis, which is a common occupational cutaneous diseases. 1,3,[5][6][7][8][9][10][11] It has reported that hand dermatitis and fungal infections may be caused by prolonged exposure to water and gloves. 10,12 The prevalence rate of contact dermatitis was reported to be 8-11% in fishermen and the incidence of hand itching was 49.6%.…”