Keratin cells are normally arranged in 15 or 16 shingle-like layers and provide a barrier, though limited, against water, water-soluble materials and mild acids. These cells, if exposed to frictional pressures, can form a protective callus and can thicken after ultraviolet exposure. The outer epidermal layer of dead cells (keratin) provides a shield against elements in the outside world. Figure 1 provides an illustration of the skin and description of its physiological functions.įigure 1. Intact skin and its secretions provide a fairly effective defence zone against micro-organisms, providing mechanical or chemical injury does not impair this defence. The skin limits water loss from the body and guards against the effects of natural and artificial light, heat and cold. The skin provides a unique shield which protects within limits against mechanical forces, or penetration by various chemical agents. Collagen and elastic components in the dermis allow it to function as a flexible barrier. It has two layers: the epidermis (outer) and dermis (inner). Human skin, except for palms and soles, is quite thin and of variable thickness. Hopefully, the absence of disease in the majority of workers may also be due to jobs which have been designed to minimize exposure to conditions hazardous to the skin. The majority of the workforce manages to remain free of disabling occupational skin problems, due in part to the inherent protection provided by the skin’s design and function, and in part due to the daily use of personal protective measures directed towards minimizing skin contact with known skin hazards at the worksite. Despite this vulnerability, occupational dermatitis is not an inevitable accompaniment of work. The skin can also serve as an avenue of entry for certain toxicants which cause chemical poisoning via percutaneous absorption.įrom experience we know that the skin can react to a large number of mechanical, physical, biological and chemical agents, acting alone or in combination. Because of the variety of skin changes induced by agents or conditions at work, these diseases are appropriately called occupational dermatoses-a term which includes any abnormality resulting directly from, or aggravated by, the work environment. ![]() Cement dermatitis, chrome holes, chloracne, fibreglass itch, oil bumps and rubber rash are some examples. General terms, such as industrial or occupational dermatitis or professional eczema, are used for occupational skin diseases but names related both to cause and effect are also commonly used. Unfortunately, there is no accurate assessment of the number of cases, causal factors, time lost or actual cost of occupational skin disease in most countries. Without doubt such preventive measures have benefited the workforce in many larger plants where good preventive services may be available, but many people are still employed in conditions which are conducive to occupational diseases. ![]() This decreased number of cases is said to have resulted from increased automation, from enclosure of industrial processes and from better education of management, supervisors and workers in the prevention of occupational diseases in general. Recently, statistics collected by the United States Department of Labor indicate a drop in frequency to approximately 34%. Occupational diseases, in general and skin diseases, in particular, have long been an unplanned by-product of industrial achievement.įifty years ago in the United States, for example, occupational diseases of the skin accounted for no less than 65-70% of all reported occupational diseases. Such technological advances brought changes to the work environment and during each period some aspect of the technical change has impaired workers’ health. ![]() As populations and cultures have expanded the uses of new materials, new skills and new processes have emerged. The earliest reported harmful effects were ulcerations of the skin from metal salts in mining. The growth of industry, agriculture, mining and manufacturing has been paralleled by the development of occupational diseases of the skin.
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