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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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Open Access 01-02-2013 | Original Article

Skin symptoms in bakery and auto body shop workers: associations with exposure and respiratory symptoms

Authors: Victoria Arrandale, Tim Meijster, Anjoeka Pronk, Gert Doekes, Carrie A. Redlich, D. Linn Holness, Dick Heederik

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 2/2013

Abstract

Purpose

Despite the importance of skin exposure, studies of skin symptoms in relation to exposure and respiratory symptoms are rare. The goals of this study were to describe exposure–response relationships for skin symptoms, and to investigate associations between skin and respiratory symptoms in bakery and auto body shop workers.

Methods

Data from previous studies of bakery and auto body shop workers were analyzed. Average exposure estimates for wheat allergen and isocyanates were used. Generalized linear models were constructed to describe the relationships between exposure and skin symptoms, as well as between skin and respiratory symptoms.

Results

Data from 723 bakery and 473 auto body shop workers were analyzed. In total, 5.3 % of bakery and 6.1 % of auto body shop workers were female; subjects’ mean age was 39 and 38 years, respectively. Exposure–response relationships were observed in auto body shop workers for itchy or dry skin (PR 1.55, 95 % CI 1.2–2.0) and work-related itchy skin (PR 1.97, 95 % CI 1.2–3.3). A possible exposure–response relationship for work-related itchy skin in bakery workers did not reach statistical significance. In both groups, reporting skin symptoms was strongly and significantly associated with reporting respiratory symptoms, both work-related and non-work-related.

Conclusions

Exposure–response relationships were observed for skin symptoms in auto body shop workers. The lack of significant exposure–response associations in bakery workers should be interpreted cautiously. Workers who reported skin symptoms were up to four times more likely to report respiratory symptoms. Improved awareness of both skin and respiratory outcomes in exposed workers is needed.

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Title: Skin symptoms in bakery and auto body shop workers: associations with exposure and respiratory symptoms
Authors: Victoria Arrandale
Tim Meijster
Anjoeka Pronk
Gert Doekes
Carrie A. Redlich
D. Linn Holness
Dick Heederik
Publication date: 01-02-2013
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 2/2013
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-012-0760-x

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Skin symptoms in bakery and auto body shop workers: associations with exposure and respiratory symptoms

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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