title: Skin symptoms in the construction industry: occurrence and determinants.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In the construction industry, a relatively high hand eczema prevalence can be expected due to exposure to irritating and allergenic agents.
  
  
  METHODS
  As part of a regular program of voluntary medical examinations, a questionnaire including items on health symptoms and working circumstances is administered to construction industry personnel. We studied 152,200 male workers (response rate 52%). Associations between possible risk factors and self-reported skin symptoms and skin hypersensitivity were assessed using log-binomial regression analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Prevalence of skin symptoms on the hands was 25.4% among construction workers, 14.6% among office personnel. Nuisance due to dust exposure was the most important work-related determinant for skin symptoms [Prevalence Ratio (PR) 1.59, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.55-1.63]. Cross-sectional findings were supported by longitudinal analyses in a study population subset.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Skin symptoms are common among construction workers. Nuisance due to dust exposure was associated with higher prevalences of skin symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Division Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Johan G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Timmerman
authors.forename: Dick
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Heederik
authors.forename: Ton
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Spee
authors.forename: Lidwien A M
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Smit
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D000485:Allergens; D060389:Construction Industry; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000453:epidemiology; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004391:Dust; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D000485:Allergens; D004391:Dust
keywords: construction workers; eczema; occupational exposure; prevalence; skin symptoms