Occupational skin disease in newspaper pressroom workers

J Occup Med. 1991 Jun;33(6):711-7. doi: 10.1097/00043764-199106000-00012.

Abstract

Studies of printing industry tradespeople have reported an increased problem of dermatologic abnormalities, including contact dermatitis and dermatitis attributed to solvent exposure. The current cross-sectional health survey of dermatological conditions were conducted in a follow-up of perceived skin abnormalities among newspaper pressroom workers. We surveyed 215 pressroom workers and 34 compositors at a large northeastern US newspaper printing facility. Our findings indicate that printing pressroom workers reported skin condition symptoms at a significantly higher rate than did the compositor referent group. Pressroom workers also were found to be at a significantly elevated risk of developing dermatitis after self-reported exposure to certain commonly used solvents. This emphasizes the need for proper work practices, product substitution where possible, and appropriate protective glove use by newspaper pressroom workers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Causality
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical
  • Dermatitis, Contact / epidemiology
  • Dermatitis, Contact / etiology
  • Dermatitis, Occupational / epidemiology*
  • Dermatitis, Occupational / etiology
  • Female
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Male
  • New England
  • Newspapers as Topic*
  • Risk Factors
  • Solvents / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Solvents