The prevalence of chromium allergy in Denmark is currently increasing as a result of leather exposure

TY - JOUR

T1 - The prevalence of chromium allergy in Denmark is currently increasing as a result of leather exposure

AU - Thyssen, J P

AU - Jensen, P

AU - Carlsen, B C

AU - Engkilde, K

AU - Menné, T

AU - Johansen, J D

N1 - Keywords: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Child; Child, Preschool; Chromium; Clothing; Coloring Agents; Denmark; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Female; Hand Dermatoses; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Occupational Exposure; Patch Tests; Prevalence; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Tanning; Young Adult

PY - 2009

Y1 - 2009

N2 - BACKGROUND: Chromium allergy has traditionally been caused by occupational skin contact with cement. In 1983, Danish legislation made the addition of ferrous sulphate compulsory in cement to reduce the water-soluble chromium content to not more than 2 ppm. An effect from this intervention has previously been demonstrated among Danish construction workers. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the development of chromium allergy among patients with dermatitis tested between 1985 and 2007 in Denmark. Furthermore, to determine causative exposures in patients with chromium allergy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patch test data was performed (n = 16,228) and charts from patients with chromium allergy were reviewed. Comparisons were made using a chi(2) test. Logistic regression analyses were used to test for associations. RESULTS: The prevalence of chromium allergy decreased significantly from 3.6% in 1985 to 1% in 1995 (P(trend) < 0.001) but increased to 3.3% in 2007 (P(trend) < 0.001). The frequency of clinically relevant cement exposure decreased significantly among patients with chromium allergy from 12.7% in 1989-1994 to 3.0% (P < 0.01) in 1995-2007, whereas the frequency of relevant leather exposure increased significantly from 24.1% during 1989-1994 to 45.5% during 1995-2007 (P < 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Chromium allergy is currently increasing in Denmark due to leather exposure.

AB - BACKGROUND: Chromium allergy has traditionally been caused by occupational skin contact with cement. In 1983, Danish legislation made the addition of ferrous sulphate compulsory in cement to reduce the water-soluble chromium content to not more than 2 ppm. An effect from this intervention has previously been demonstrated among Danish construction workers. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the development of chromium allergy among patients with dermatitis tested between 1985 and 2007 in Denmark. Furthermore, to determine causative exposures in patients with chromium allergy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patch test data was performed (n = 16,228) and charts from patients with chromium allergy were reviewed. Comparisons were made using a chi(2) test. Logistic regression analyses were used to test for associations. RESULTS: The prevalence of chromium allergy decreased significantly from 3.6% in 1985 to 1% in 1995 (P(trend) < 0.001) but increased to 3.3% in 2007 (P(trend) < 0.001). The frequency of clinically relevant cement exposure decreased significantly among patients with chromium allergy from 12.7% in 1989-1994 to 3.0% (P < 0.01) in 1995-2007, whereas the frequency of relevant leather exposure increased significantly from 24.1% during 1989-1994 to 45.5% during 1995-2007 (P < 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Chromium allergy is currently increasing in Denmark due to leather exposure.

U2 - 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2009.09405.x

DO - 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2009.09405.x

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 19673874

SN - 0007-0963

VL - 161

SP - 1288

EP - 1293

JO - British Journal of Dermatology

JF - British Journal of Dermatology

IS - 6

ER -