Occupational dermatitis in Danish gardeners and greenhouse workers - (II). Etiological factors

The aim of the study was to assess the distribution of different types of occupational eczema among employees in floristry and detect the allergens most commonly involved. Based on a postal questionnaire, 253 gardeners and greenhouse workers with occupational skin symptoms and 52 randomly-selected without symptoms were examined and patch tested. Routine tests comprised the standard series, the Compositae mix, feverfew and 3 fungicides, with additional testing based on case records. 184 persons from the symptom group and 1 from the random group had occupational eczema. Irritant occupational contact eczema was suspected in 150 persons (59%). Nevertheless, 48% of the 250 persons patch tested had at least 1 positive reaction, most frequently to nickel. followed by Compositae which were positive in 25 cases (10%), of whom 24 were possibly occupationally sensitized. 13 persons from symptom group had positive reactions to fungicides. Occupational allergic eczema was suspected in 43 persons (17%), most often caused by plants belonging to the Compositae, Geraniaceae and Liliaceae families. New plant sensitizers were Exacum affine and Begonia lorraine. Exposure to specific plant species seemed to be the most important eliciting factors in both allergic and irritant occupational dermatitis in floristry, and preventive measures should include reduction of contact with plants. (C) Munksgaard, 1998.