| A questionnaire study of road pavers' and roofers' work-related skin symptoms and bitumen exposure. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 9522234 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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BACKGROUND: Skin contact with the components in asphalt and bitumen can lead to irritant and allergic contact dermatitis, but few data are available in the dermatologic literature on the skin symptoms caused by work with bitumen. In addition, working methods have changed markedly during recent decades. METHODS: A questionnaire was delivered to 50 roofers and 101 road pavers. The questionnaire dealt with skin symptoms, symptoms caused by solvent products, the use of personal protection, smoking, eating habits, work conditions, changing and cleaning of overalls, etc. RESULTS: Forty-eight per cent of the road pavers and 58% of the roofers responded to the questionnaire. Relatively high percentages of work-induced skin irritation were reported by both the roofers (44%) and the road pavers (31%); 22% of the road pavers had dermatitis often or sometimes compared with 15% of the roofers. The hands, arms, face, and lower extremities were the most common sites affected. In addition to bitumen products, the road pavers considered amine adhesion-improving agents for paving and naphtha and solvents used in machine repairs, to be the main causes of their skin symptoms. The skin problems of the roofers were caused by man-made mineral fibers, cutback bitumen, and hot bitumen burns. CONCLUSIONS: Roofers endure greater exposure to chemicals than road pavers. Certain components, e.g. polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in bitumen, can be absorbed through the skin. Skin exposure should be lowered by keeping the tools, working clothes, shoes, and gloves clean. Overalls and gloves are recommended to be changed at least once a week. Water laundering is not sufficient in dissolving bitumen from overalls and underwear. Cleaning the skin with solvents or naphtha is not recommended, as they are skin irritants. |
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Authors:
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R Riala; P Heikkilä; L Kanerva |
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Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article |
Journal Detail:
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Title: International journal of dermatology Volume: 37 ISSN: 0011-9059 ISO Abbreviation: Int. J. Dermatol. Publication Date: 1998 Jan |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 1998-05-22 Completed Date: 1998-05-22 Revised Date: 2006-10-30 |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 0243704 Medline TA: Int J Dermatol Country: UNITED STATES |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 27-30 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
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Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland. |
Export Citation:
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| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Alkanes
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adverse effects Allergens / adverse effects Amines / adverse effects Arm / pathology Coal Tar / adverse effects Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / etiology* Dermatitis, Irritant / etiology Dermatitis, Occupational / etiology* Facial Dermatoses / chemically induced Foot Dermatoses / chemically induced Hand Dermatoses / chemically induced Humans Hydrocarbons / adverse effects* Leg Dermatoses / chemically induced Mineral Fibers / adverse effects Occupational Exposure / adverse effects Occupations Questionnaires |
| Chemical | |
Reg. No./Substance:
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0/Alkanes; 0/Allergens; 0/Amines; 0/Hydrocarbons; 0/Mineral Fibers; 8007-45-2/Coal Tar; 8030-30-6/naphtha; 8052-42-4/asphalt |
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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