M10.1 EPIDEMIOLOGY AND PREVENTION OF OCCUPATIONAL CONTACT DERMATITIS

T. L. Diepgen.Department of Social Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Dermatology, University of Heidelberg, Germany

Occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) has the highest ranking of all occupational diseases in many countries. The incidence rate is believed to be around 0.5–1.9 cases per 1000 fulltime 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 worldwide, not only because of cost intensification for employers but also because of impairment to employees’ quality of life. This lecture summarises some important causes of occupational contact dermatitis in Europe, demonstrates possibilities of prevention, and ends by highlighting important future health service and population research issues. The following questions will be discussed:

• How common is OCD in different industries and what …