Dermal exposure and changes in skin barrier function of base metal refinery workers co-exposed to cobalt and nickel
Date
2013Author
Du Plessis, J.L.
Eloff, F.C.
Engelbrecht, S.
Laubscher, P.J.
Van Aarde, M.N.
Franken, A.
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Refi nery workers are exposed to many metals, including cobalt and nickel, both of which are skin sensitisers,
causing allergic contact dermatitis. Dermal exposure, and changes in skin barrier function [skin hydration,
transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin surface pH] from start to end of shift, of base metal refi nery workers
co-exposed to cobalt and nickel, were assessed. Changes in SH were inconsistent, while TEWL generally
increased and SS-pH decreased. The decrease in SS-pH is most likely due to direct skin contact with sulphuric
acid. Dermal exposure was variable even though workers wore personal protective gloves, highlighting the
limitations of personal protective clothing in controlling exposure. None of the workers presented with allergic
contact dermatitis (ACD). The small sample size of this study limits the interpretation of the absence of ACD, but
the healthy worker effect and ethnic differences in skin structure and function may be contributing factors.
Collections
- Faculty of Health Sciences [2376]