Occupational respiratory and skin diseases among Finnish machinists: findings of a large clinical study

Abstract

This large clinical study of machinists representing metalworking in South Finland showed a prevalence of 0.13% of OA and 0.92% of OD. This relatively low occurrence of occupational diseases may reflect the strict Finnish criteria for the diagnosis of these occupational diseases and the relatively good level of occupational hygiene in machining workshops in Finland. Reported respiratory and skin symptoms were common, and these milder conditions may be linked to irritant rather than sensitizing exposures.

Occupational rhinitis and occupational asthma: Association or progression?

“…Notwithstanding this limitation, 6 of the 43 studies lacking cross‐tabulation (plus all four studies lacking objective pulmonary function tests) provided partial associational data, in which either: 1) the proportion of (presumed) occupational rhinitis cases developing occupational asthma (or vice versa) is reported (albeit in the absence of background rates); or 2) the sequence of development of nasal and chest symptoms are tabulated. Individual study characteristics of excluded studies, including study designs, principal exposure(s), health endpoint(s), number of subjects, and measure(s) of effect appear in Supplemental Tables S1‐S4. Briefly summarizing relevant data from these excluded studies, among workers undergoing objective pulmonary function testing, more than half of those diagnosed with occupational asthma to diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), lupin ( Lupinus angustifolius ) flour, or ammonium persulfate (eg, hairdressers) also gave histories consistent with occupational rhinitis .…”

Application of sustainable techniques in metal cutting for enhanced machinability: a review

“…Reported data indicate that 80% of occupational skin diseases are caused by cutting fluids (Lawal et al, 2012). The study by Hannu et al (2013) suggests that MWFs are the cause of respiratory and skin diseases amongst the machinists. National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reported that over 1 million workers are under the influence of toxicology effects caused by cutting fluids.…”

Recent Trends in Occupational Contact Dermatitis

“…Hannu et al examined the occurrence of skin diseases in a large sample of machinists in southern Finland. They found seven cases of occupational dermatitis, giving a prevalence of 0.92 %, which leads to the conclusion that the rather low occurrence of OCD may reflect the strict diagnostic criteria for occupational diseases in Finland, as well as the relatively good level of occupational hygiene in machine shops in Finland [37].…”