Occupational dermatosis among chrome platers

Contact Dermatitis. 1988 Feb;18(2):89-93. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0536.1988.tb02746.x.

Abstract

14 (38%) of 37 chrome platers in 17 chrome electroplating factories surveyed had occupational contact dermatitis, chrome ulcers, or both. 7 had chrome ulcers, 6 had contact dermatitis and 1 had both. Another 16 (43%) workers had scars suggestive of previous chrome ulcers. Mucosal irritation was present in 57% of the workers. The most common was throat irritation (49%) followed by nasal irritation (41%). Mucosal irritation was more common in hard chrome platers, while skin ulcers and dermatitis were more common in bright chrome platers. Nasal septum perforation was seen in 1 worker. Skin ulceration appeared to be a more specific sign for occupational dermatosis in chrome platers than dermatitis when the prevalence rates were compared to controls. Of the 7 workers with chrome ulcers, only 1 was allergic to chromate. Of the 6 workers with dermatitis, 2 were allergic to chromate and 1 to nickel. The worker with ulceration and dermatitis was negative to chromate and nickel. Irritant factors are therefore important in the aetiology of contact dermatitis in these chrome platers.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Chromates / adverse effects*
  • Chromium / adverse effects*
  • Dermatitis, Contact / etiology*
  • Dermatitis, Occupational / chemically induced*
  • Electrolysis*
  • Electroplating*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Skin Ulcer / chemically induced

Substances

  • Chromates
  • Chromium
  • chromic acid