FS10.4 Colophony allergy as a cause of occupational dermatitis

Objective and methods:  To evaluate the importance of occupational colophony exposure among occupational dermatitis patients we analyzed data of occupational dermatitis caused by colophony on the basis of the Finnish Register of Occupational Diseases (FROD) and among the colophony allergic patients studied in the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH)in 1993–2002. Finnish physicians are obligated to report cases of occupational diseases to the FROD. Insurance companies remit patients to FIOH, mainly recommended by company doctors or dermatologists. Results:  Altogether 128 cases (68 females and 60 males) of occupational dermatitis caused by colophony were reported to the FROD since 1993 to 2002 accounting for 3.4% of all occupational allergic contact dermatitis cases and another 67 had it as a second diagnosis. Mean age of the patients was 42 years, being lowest among engineering workers (34 years) Among colophony allergic patients studied in FIOH 46/89 had an occupational dermatitis caused by colophony; 14 of them as a second diagnosis. Engineering, metal working, wood working, agricultural or medical work were most common occupations. Among colophony allergic patients without an occupational dermatitis (22) or an occupational dermatitis caused by other causes (21)working with food materials and agricultural work were most common. Principal causative agents of occupational allergic contact dermatitis from colophony were cutting fluids, soldering fluxes, tall soft soap, adhesives and varnishes. Variable individual sources were occasionally detected. Mean exposure time was 12 years. Conclusion:  Occupational dermatitis caused by colophony is difficult to diagnose, since non-occupational colophony exposure is common.