OCCUPATIONAL DERMATOSES IN A SWEDISH AIRCRAFT PLANT

A survey of occupational dermatoses, based on a questionnaire, clinica l examination and patch testing, was carried out among 341 workers in an aircraft plant. The questionnaire was answered by 330 workers (96.8 %). Present or previous skin disease was reported by 92 employees, who were all subjected to physical examination and patch testing. Patch t esting was conducted with a standard series, as well as with a series of substances and products representing the work environment. Occupati onal contact allergies were established in 12 employees. In total, the figure for occupational skin diseases was 16.1% (55 workers), when ca lculated for all employees.