Effect of Skin Protection and Skin Irritation on the Internal Exposure to Carbon Disulfide in Employees of the Viscose Industry.
BACKGROUND
Occupational exposure to carbon disulfide (CS2) leads to inhalative and dermal uptake and thereby to internal exposure. In order to prevent occupational contact dermatitis, gloves and skin protection creams are used at the workplace. The aim of the study was the evaluation of the influence of personal skin protection and irritation on the internal exposure to CS2 of employees in the viscose industry.


METHODS
One hundred and eighty-two male CS2-exposed employees were included in the study and were examined regarding working conditions, use of personal protective measures und skin status. Personal air monitoring and biological monitoring was performed and the 'relative internal exposure' (RIE, internal exposure in relation to external exposure) calculated. A multiple regression analysis calculated the influence of skin protection and irritation on CS2 uptake.


RESULTS
Usage of skin protection creams and gloves (and both in combination) while working was associated with a significantly higher RIE indicating a higher dermal penetration of CS2. Equally, irritated skin and younger age was associated with a higher internal burden.


CONCLUSIONS
Gloves and skin protection creams are useful for preventing occupational skin diseases. However, when handling skin-resorptive substances like CS2, they can increase internal exposure or skin irritation. Therefore, we recommend the careful consideration of benefits and risks of protective creams and gloves at the workplace.
Institute and Outpatient Clinic of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen, Schillerstrasse 25, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
Sonja
S
Kilo
Institute and Outpatient Clinic of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen, Schillerstrasse 25, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
Nina
N
Zonnur
Department of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
Wolfgang
W
Uter
Institute and Outpatient Clinic of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen, Schillerstrasse 25, 91054 Erlangen, Germany thomas.goeen@ipasum.med.uni-erlangen.de.
Thomas
T
Göen
Institute and Outpatient Clinic of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen, Schillerstrasse 25, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
Hans
H
Drexler
D000328:Adult; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000032:analysis; D002246:Carbon Disulfide / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D017575:Gloves, Protective; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012869:Skin Absorption; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D013783:Textile Industry; D017132:Workplace
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D002246:Carbon Disulfide
biomonitoring; carbon disulfide; dermal uptake; exposure assessment; gloves; skin protection; skin protection creams