Risk factors for cement eczema.

Risk factors for cement eczema were studied among workers employed in the Danish construction industry. 2 cohorts exposed to cement containing different concentrations of water-soluble chromate were examined. A statistically significant decrease in the number of workers with allergic cement eczema was found in the cohort exposed to cement with the lower water-soluble chromate concentration. Allergic cement eczema was found to have a greater extent of involvement than irritant cement eczema. A 3rd cohort was followed to evaluate individual risk factors. The degree of exposure to wet cement seems to have a certain, though not statistically significant, effect on the risk of developing irritant cement eczema. Individual preventive measures, such as the use of gloves and creams, did not seem to reduce the development of irritant cement eczema.