Airborne irritant contact dermatitis due to synthetic fibres from an air-conditioning filter.
We describe 8 cases of occupational airborne irritant contact dermatitis in intensive care unit (ICU) employees caused by synthetic (polypropylene and polyethylene) fibres from an air-conditioning filter. Not until a workplace investigation was conducted, was it possible to clarify the unusual sequence of events. High filter pressure in the intensive care air-conditioning system, maintained to establish an outward airflow and prevent microorganisms from entering the ward, probably caused fibres from the filter to become airborne. Upon contact with air-exposed skin, fibres subsequently provoked skin irritation. Test periods in the ICU with varying filter pressures, in an attempt to improve environmental conditions, led to even higher filter pressure levels and more complaints. The sometimes-very-low humidity might have contributed to development of skin irritation. The fact that most patients recovered quickly after treatment with emollients and changing the filters made it most likely that the airborne dermatitis was of an irritant nature.
Patiwael
Jiska A
JA
Department of Dermato-Allergology and Occupational Dermatology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Wintzen
Marjolein
M
Rustemeyer
Thomas
T
Bruynzeel
Derk P
DP
D000328:Adult; D000389:Air Conditioning / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000209:etiology*; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000209:etiology; D004391:Dust; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000187:drug effects; D012307:Risk Factors
D000393:Air Pollutants; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D000485:Allergens; D004391:Dust