Impact of occupational contact allergy to chromate in cases of occupational skin disease [Auswirkung einer arbeitsbedingten Kontaktallergie gegen Chrom(VI)-Verbindungen bei der BK 5101]

Abstract

Occupational exposure to chromium(VI)-compounds (chromates) has diminished in Germany during the last 15 years, mainly due to the introduction of chromate-reduced cement. However, the prevalence of chromate sensitization has not declined. Due to the reduced occupational exposure, occupational contact sensitization to chromate normally only has a "low grade" impact on the reduction of the earning capacity in cases of occupational skin disease according to No. 5101 of the corresponding German regulation. The impact may be higher in cases of strong sensitization with low elicitation threshold because chromates at low concentrations are very widespread. Allergologically relevant occupational exposure to chromate may occur in electroplating, chromium-plating, chromate conversion coating, welding, handling chromated metal parts, leather production and processing, wood impregnation, and labora tory work (when using chromium(VI)-containing chemicals). Wearing gloves or shoes made from chromium-tanned leather also may still be a relevant exposure because the EU-regulation limiting chromium(VI) exposure from leather certainly is not yet fully put into practice. © 2016 Dustri-Verlag Dr. Karl Feistle.