A questionnaire study of road pavers' and roofers' work-related skin symptoms and bitumen exposure.
BACKGROUND
Skin contact with the components in asphalt and bitumen can lead to irritant and allergic contact dermatitis, but few data are available in the dermatologic literature on the skin symptoms caused by work with bitumen. In addition, working methods have changed markedly during recent decades.


METHODS
A questionnaire was delivered to 50 roofers and 101 road pavers. The questionnaire dealt with skin symptoms, symptoms caused by solvent products, the use of personal protection, smoking, eating habits, work conditions, changing and cleaning of overalls, etc.


RESULTS
Forty-eight per cent of the road pavers and 58% of the roofers responded to the questionnaire. Relatively high percentages of work-induced skin irritation were reported by both the roofers (44%) and the road pavers (31%); 22% of the road pavers had dermatitis often or sometimes compared with 15% of the roofers. The hands, arms, face, and lower extremities were the most common sites affected. In addition to bitumen products, the road pavers considered amine adhesion-improving agents for paving and naphtha and solvents used in machine repairs, to be the main causes of their skin symptoms. The skin problems of the roofers were caused by man-made mineral fibers, cutback bitumen, and hot bitumen burns.


CONCLUSIONS
Roofers endure greater exposure to chemicals than road pavers. Certain components, e.g. polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in bitumen, can be absorbed through the skin. Skin exposure should be lowered by keeping the tools, working clothes, shoes, and gloves clean. Overalls and gloves are recommended to be changed at least once a week. Water laundering is not sufficient in dissolving bitumen from overalls and underwear. Cleaning the skin with solvents or naphtha is not recommended, as they are skin irritants.
Riala
R
R
Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland.
Heikkilä
P
P
Kanerva
L
L
D000473:Alkanes / Q000009:adverse effects; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects; D000588:Amines / Q000009:adverse effects; D001132:Arm / Q000473:pathology; D003033:Coal Tar / Q000009:adverse effects; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000209:etiology*; D017453:Dermatitis, Irritant / Q000209:etiology; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000209:etiology*; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000139:chemically induced; D005533:Foot Dermatoses / Q000139:chemically induced; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D006838:Hydrocarbons / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007868:Leg Dermatoses / Q000139:chemically induced; D019016:Mineral Fibers / Q000009:adverse effects; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D009790:Occupations; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000473:Alkanes; D000485:Allergens; D000588:Amines; D006838:Hydrocarbons; D019016:Mineral Fibers; D003033:Coal Tar; C006647:asphalt; C004544:naphtha