Combined exposure to carbon disulfide and sulfuric acid simultaneously increases the risk of hand dermatitis in rayon industry.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between hand dermatitis (HD) and occupational exposure to CS(2) and to determine whether combined exposure to CS(2) and H(2)SO(4) exhibits a higher risk of HD.

METHODS

In all, 110 subjects from a rayon factory were recruited and their exposure was classified into CS(2) exclusively, H(2)SO(4) exclusively, combined exposure, and nonexposure control based on workers' job characteristics. A dermatologist was designated in the diagnosis of HD on palm and dorsal sites for each subject. Other confounding factors including detergent, glove wearing, and participation in wet work were determined using a person-to-person questionnaire interview from 37 randomly selected subjects.

RESULTS

Significant elevated odds ratios (ORs) for HD were found in CS(2) exclusively (44.8, P < 0.01) and combined exposure (49.0, P < 0.001) compared with control. Dose-response trends of ORs for HD were found across control, single exposure, and combined exposure for both CS(2) and H(2)SO(4).

CONCLUSIONS

HD could occur resulting from occupational exposure to CS(2) alone. This study was unable to affirm that the exposure to H(2)SO(4) alone is associated with HD due to limited H(2)SO(4) exposure subjects. The combined exposure to both CS(2) and H(2)SO(4) simultaneously could increase the risk of HD. The control remedy in preventing dermal contact with either CS(2) or H(2)SO(4) among the rayon workers should be performed immediately.