Br J Dermatol. 2023 Dec 7:ljad488. doi: 10.1093/bjd/ljad488. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Occupational exposure to metals such as nickel, chromium and cobalt can be associated with contact dermatitis which can adversely affect the individual’s health, finances and employment. Despite this, little is known about the incidence of metal-related occupational contact dermatitis over prolonged periods of time.
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the medically reported trends in the incidence of work-related contact dermatitis attributed to nickel, chromium and cobalt in the UK.
METHODS: Incidence and trends in incidence of cases of occupational contact dermatitis caused by nickel, chromium, or cobalt between 1996 and 2019 (inclusive), reported to the EPIDERM surveillance scheme, was investigated and compared to trends in incidence of occupational contact dermatitis attributed to agents other than the aforesaid metals. A sensitivity analysis restricting the study cohort to cases attributed to only one type of metal was also conducted.
RESULTS: Of all cases reported to EPIDERM during the study period, 2374 cases (12%) were attributed to nickel, chromium, or cobalt. Cases were predominantly females (59%), with a mean (±SD) age (males plus females) of 38 ± 13 years. Cases were most frequently reported in manufacturing, construction and human health and social activities. The most frequently reported occupations were hairdressers, sales and retail assistants/cashiers/check-out operators. The highest annual incidence rate of contact dermatitis was observed in females (2.60 per 100,000 person employed per year), with the first and second peak seen in those aged 16-24 and ≥65 years old, respectively. A statistically significant decrease in the incidence of occupational contact dermatitis attributed to metals over the study period was observed for all occupations (annual average change -6.9% [95% CI -7.8, -5.9]), with much of the decrease occurring between 1996 and 2007. Similar findings were observed in the sensitivity analyses.
CONCLUSIONS: Over a period of 24 years, a statistically significant decline in the incidence of metal-related occupational contact dermatitis was observed in the UK. This could be attributed to improvements in working conditions which resulted in reduced metal exposure but could also be due to closure of industries in the UK that might have generated cases of contact dermatitis due to metal exposure.
PMID:38061005 | DOI:10.1093/bjd/ljad488
