FS10.8 Prevention of occupational contact dermatitis

Occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) take the first rank of all occupational diseases in many countries. The incidence rate is believed to be around 0.5 to 1.9 cases per 1000 full-time workers per year. However, the true incidence of work-related hand eczema (mostly irritant hand eczema) is highly underreported. The development of OCD is determined by a combination of individual susceptibility (endogenous factors) and exposure characteristics (exogenous factors). Skin contact with irritants and/or allergens is a necessary condition of contact dermatitis and the probability and severity of a reaction depend on the type and intensity of exposure. Epidemiological studies play an important role in observing disease trends, analysing risk factors, and monitoring the effect of preventive measures. Occupational Contact Dermatitis (OCD) has become an issue of increasing importance world-wide, not only due to cost- intensification for employers but also due to impairment of employees’ quality of life. This lecture summarizes some important causes of occupational contact dermatitis in Europe, demonstrates possibilities of prevention based on recently conducted epidemiological studies, and ends by highlighting important future health service and population research issues. The following questions will be discussed: • How common are OCD in different industries and what is the extent of underestimation • What kind of regulations are needed to prevent OCD • How to deal with high risk individuals (atopics) Research into the causes and prevention of occupational contact dermatitis using an epidemiological approach is still in its infancy, yet already there are some pointers that OCD can be prevented effectively.