title: [Occupational allergic diseases in the steel industry. Population studies].
abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of occupational allergic diseases of the respiratory system and skin. The study was carried out in a population of 17,600 employees of Huta im. T. Sendzimira (T. Sendzimir Steelworks) in 1992-96. During this period 543 employees were referred to the Occupational Diseases Department with a suspection of occupational allergy. Connection between the kind of occupation and disease was confirmed in 215 cases. 104 (48%) suffered from upper respiratory tract diseases or bronchial asthma and 111 patients (52%) suffered from allergic skin disease as contact dermatitis of the hand or generalized dermatitis. The analysis showed that allergic skin diseases occurred more frequently in 1992-94 and allergenic respiratory diseases were more frequent in 1995-96. Industrial dust containing metals (nickel, chrome, iron, cooper) turned out to be the main allergic factor. The highest prevalence was observed in the Rolling-Mill Department, Chemistry of Coke Department and Incombustible Materials Department. 33% of patients suffering from allergic respiratory diseases and 10% suffering from allergic skin diseases had a family predisposition to allergy (features of atopy).
authors.affiliation: Zakład Alergologii Przemysłowej Katedry Medycyny Pracy i Chorób Srodowiskowych Collegium Medicum Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego w Krakowie.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Obtułowicz
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kołarzyk
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Łaczkowska
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Porebski
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Zapolska
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hudzik
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000453:epidemiology; D004391:Dust / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D062665:Epidemiological Monitoring; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008669:Metallurgy; D008670:Metals / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D011044:Poland / Q000453:epidemiology; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology; D017678:Sex Distribution
chemical_list: D004391:Dust; D008670:Metals
vernacular_title: Alergiczne choroby zawodowe w hutnictwie. Badania populacyjne.