Occupational dermatoses in Singapore.

A study of occupational dermatoses is described. 97% of 389 cases were contact dermatitis, of which 66.3% were irritant and 33.7% allergic, in both male and female workers. Cutting oils, solvents and flux from the engineering and electronic industries were the commonest irritants, and chromate from cement in the construction industry was the commonest allergen. The other occupational allergens were rubber chemicals and epoxy resin. The construction industry was the largest source of occupational dermatoses cases seen; possible preventive measures are discussed.