Occupational skin exposure to water: a population-based study.
BACKGROUND
Occupational exposure to skin irritants, in particular to water, is an important risk factor for hand eczema.


OBJECTIVE
To assess occupational skin exposure to water in the general population.


METHODS
As part of a public health survey in Stockholm, Sweden, 18,267 gainfully employed individuals aged 18-64 years completed a questionnaire with previously validated questions regarding occupational skin exposure to water.


RESULTS
Altogether 16% reported exposure to water for (1/2) h or more a day, and 13% reported exposure to water more than 10 times a day. Furthermore, 7% reported water exposure of more than 2 h and 6% of more than 20 times a day. Women reported more water exposure than men and many female-dominated occupations were seen to comprise water exposure. Women were also more exposed than men within the same jobs. Young adults were more exposed than older. A total of 18% were employed in high-risk occupations for hand eczema. Fifty-nine per cent of individuals employed in high-risk occupations reported water exposure at work, compared with 11% in low-risk occupations.


CONCLUSIONS
A total of 20% of the population of working age acknowledged occupational skin exposure to water, which was found to be more common in young adults and women. Using job title as a proxy for water exposure gives an underestimation due to misclassification. In assessing occupational skin exposure to water, both exposure time and frequency should be considered.
Anveden Berglind
I
I
Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Stockholm Centre for Public Health, Norrbacka, Stockholm SE-171 76, Sweden. ingegard.anveden@sll.se
Alderling
M
M
Järvholm
B
B
Lidén
C
C
Meding
B
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007509:Irritants / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000032:analysis* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009790:Occupations / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012737:Sex Factors; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects*; D013997:Time Factors; D014867:Water / Q000494:pharmacology*; D055815:Young Adult
D007509:Irritants; D014867:Water