Occupational cumulative irritant contact dermatitis among noodle plant workers

Abstract

Background : Although occupational skin diseases are common problems in Thailand. The study and reports of these problems are comparatively limited.

Aim : To report an outbreak of occupational cumulative irritant contact dermatitis among noodle plant workers.

Methods : Twenty - seven workers having chronic hands eczema problems were examined and a thorough walk through survey of the plant was conducted in June 1999.

Results : All 27 patients, without any preceding episode of skin disease and atopic history, shared an array of clinical manifestation of chronic hands eczema including peeling of fingers, maceration of web spaces, swelling and inflammation of nail folds. Demographic data showed that the workers aged between 17-40 with average employment duration in this plant of 2.6 years. From workplace investigation, we found that all patients worked in the washing unit which job descriptions consist of washing noodle with tap water, weighing and aggregating noodle into balls. No chemicals were involved in the process. However an increase in mold and coliform number and that of water acidity were documented. Almost all workers admitted working overtime. Duration of prolong water contact averaged 65 hours per month during period of increased production in May compared to that of 53 hours per month in April.

Conclusion : An outbreak of adverse skin condition, occupational chronic irritant hand dermatitis was most likely associated with prolonged and cumulative water contact during washing process.