FC01.3 The Finnish Machinist Study – new results

Objective:  The aim of the study was to get information on the chemical exposure and the prevalence of skin and respiratory symptoms among Finnish machinists. Methods:  A cross-sectional study was carried out on a population of 961 Finnish machinists. Skin and respiratory symptoms, atopy, exposure at work, etc. were inquired by a telephone interview. Working conditions were assessed and the data were combined with the data from the interview. Technical office personnel in the same companies were used as a control group. Results:  A third of the interviewees reported prolonged rhinitis. A fifth had continuous or relapsing hand or forearm dermatitis, cough, phlegm production or eye symptoms. Wheezing, dyspnea, laryngeal symptoms, or relapsing low fever were reported by 8–2%. 5% reported having asthma. In total, 35% of the machinists considered the skin or respiratory symptoms as work-related. Conclusion:  This study shows that work-related skin and respiratory symptoms are common among machinists in Finland. Those reporting symptoms have been examined in more detail at FIOH. New results of the statistical analysis and medical investigations will be presented.