Dermatoses in cement workers in southern Taiwan

Construction workers are known to have occupational dermatoses. The prevale nce of such dermatoses was unknown in Taiwanese construction workers. The o bjective of this study was to determine the work exposure, prevalence of sk in manifestations, and sensitivity to common contact allergens in cement wo rkers of southern Taiwan. A total of 1147 current regular cement workers we re telephone-interviewed about skin problems during the past 12 months, wor k exposure, and personal protection. Among those interviewed, 166 were exam ined and patch tested with common contact allergens. A high % of cement wor kers reported skin problems in the past 12 months. More men (13.9%) reporte d skin problems possibly related to work than women (5.4%). Prevalence was associated with lower use of gloves, duration of work as cement worker, and more time in jobs involving direct manual handling of cement, especially t iling. A high % of dermatitis was noted in the 166 workers examined, which correlated with reported skin problems. On patch testing, construction work ers had a high frequency of sensitivity to chromate. Sensitivity to chromat e or cobalt was associated with reported skin problems, or dorsal hand derm atitis on examination. These workers' dermatitis was under-diagnosed and in adequately managed. It is concluded that cement workers in southern Taiwan had a high prevalence of skin problems related to cement use. Protective me asures, work practice, and physician education should be improved to preven t or manage such problems.