[Burns from undisclosed acids in a liquid used by temporary workers. A recent problem in occupational medicine caused by a lack of information].
METHODS
Two temporary labourers, on piece work without sufficient prior instructions, were employed to clean a house facade. During the work, at first limited to 5-10 minutes, they sustained chemical burns from the hydrofluoric and hydrochloric acids contained in the liquid used to clean the stone. Both workers had been left uniformed about the danger or kind of the material being used, because of their short-time employment. They only sought medical help several hours later.


METHODS
At the areas of contact with the cleansing liquid (hands, lower arms and thighs, in case 1; additionally at first well circumscribed and very painful areas of erythema, developing within a few hours into blisters, in case 2; also erosions in both).


METHODS
Chemical burns by hydrofluoric acid were only elucidated as the cause 24 hours after exposure. Repeat tests (ECG, blood gas analysis, electrolyte levels) provided no evidence of deep-seated burns at the contact areas or systemic poisoning. Radiology of the hand was normal.


METHODS
As there was at first no indicative history, toxic contact dermatitis was suspected and treated topically with Clobetasol-17-propionate. Once the true cause became known treatment consisted of compresses with 10% calcium gluconate solution. All lesions healed completely within 4 and 6 days, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Temporary workers are often insufficiently instructed, despite clear legal regulations. Such lack of informations increases the risk of harm to workers and makes appropriate treatment more difficult.
Fischer
M
M
Klinik und Poliklinik für Hautkrankheiten, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg. matthias.fischer@medizin.uni-halle.de
Hellmann
A
A
Wohlrab
J
J
Marsch
W C
WC
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D002057:Burns, Chemical / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D002125:Calcium Gluconate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002990:Clobetasol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D006851:Hydrochloric Acid / Q000009:adverse effects; D006858:Hydrofluoric Acid / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007318:Inservice Training / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000628:therapy
D002990:Clobetasol; D006851:Hydrochloric Acid; D006858:Hydrofluoric Acid; D002125:Calcium Gluconate
Kaschierte Flusssäureverätzung bei Zeitarbeitern. Ein aktuelles arbeitsmedizinisches Problem durch Informationslücken.