Impact of an occupational allergy to glutaraldehyde with regard to the reduction of earning capacity in occupational skin diseases according to BK No. 5101 [Bewertung der auswirkung einer berufsbedingten sensibilisierung durch glutaraldehyd im rahmen der feststellung einer minderung der erwerbsfähigkeit gemäß der Nr. 5101 der alage 1 zur Berufskrankheitenverordnung (BeKV)]

Abstract

The following recommendations provide a basis for the assessment of the impact of an occupationally acquired contact sensitization to glutaraldehyde with regard to the reduction of the earning capacity of the affected individual. This applies to cases of occupationally acquired skin diseases according to number 5101 of the German list of occupational diseases. The occurrence of glutaraldehyde is limited to specific work settings and professions. Type-IV-sensitization affects preferably health sector employees, such as nursing, technical and dental stuff. There are effective methods to prevent contact to glutaraldehyde. Thus, the impact of glutaraldehyde allergy has to be considered as low-grade. © 2011 Dustri-Verlag Dr. Karl Feistle.