Assessing the effects of an allergy to formaldehyde with reference to the reduction in earning capacity [Begründung für die beurteilung der auswirkung einer allergie gegenüber formaldehyd im rahmen der MdE-bewertung]

Abstract

The following recommendation serves for assessing the impact of an occupationally acquired contact allergy to formaldehyde on the reduction of the earning capacity in cases of occupational skin disease according to No. 5101 of the German list of occupational diseases. Formaldehyde is used as a disinfectant in the food industry and as a disinfectant and preservative agent in the medical and technical sector. For persons sensitized against formaldehyde, professions in the health sector, the food industry and the metal working industry may be closed. Combined allergies against formaldehyde releasers and formaldehyde resins need to be considered as well, these substances are frequently used in cutting oils and in textile processing. The allergy effects against formaldehyde are therefore considered, depending on the case, as "medium grade" to "severe". © 2009 Dustri-Verlag Dr. Karl Feistle.