Du Plessis Johannes L, Eloff Frederik C, Badenhorst Casper J, Olivier Johretha, Laubscher Petrus J, Van Aarde Michiel N, Franken Anja
North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa.
Ann Occup Hyg. 2010 Jan;54(1):23-30. doi: 10.1093/annhyg/mep080. Epub 2009 Nov 30.
The objectives of this study were to assess dermal exposure of cell workers to nickel at a South African base metal refinery and to characterize their skin condition by measuring the skin hydration and trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) indices.
The skin hydration index of the index finger, palm, neck, and forehead was measured before, during and at the end of the shift. The TEWL index was measured before and at the end of the shift. Dermal exposure samples were collected with Ghostwipes from the index finger and palm of the dominant hand, before, during, and at the end of the shift. Neck and forehead samples were collected before and at the end of the shift. Wipe samples of various surfaces in the workplace were also collected. Wipes were analyzed for nickel according to NIOSH method 9102, using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry.
Hydration indices measured on the hands decreased significantly during the shift, but recovered to normal levels by the end of the shift. TEWL indices for the index finger and palm of the hands are indicative of a low barrier function even before commencement of the shift, which further deteriorated significantly during the shift. During the shift, substantial nickel skin loading occurred on the index finger and palm of the hand. Levels on the neck and forehead were much lower. Various workplace surfaces, which workers come into contact with, were also contaminated with nickel.
The skin condition and high levels of nickel on the skin were most probably caused by inadequate chemical protection provided by protective gloves. Although, the permeability of nickel through intact skin is considered to be low, a decreased barrier function of dehydrated or slightly damaged skin will increase its permeability for nickel. The ethnicity of these exposed workers may contribute significantly toward the low incidence of allergic contact dermatitis observed. Several measures to lower dermal exposure to nickel are also recommended.
本研究的目的是评估南非一家贱金属精炼厂的一线工人皮肤对镍的接触情况，并通过测量皮肤水合作用和经表皮水分流失（TEWL）指数来表征他们的皮肤状况。
在轮班前、轮班期间和轮班结束时测量食指、手掌、颈部和前额的皮肤水合指数。在轮班前和轮班结束时测量TEWL指数。在轮班前、轮班期间和轮班结束时，用Ghostwipes从优势手的食指和手掌采集皮肤接触样本。在轮班前和轮班结束时采集颈部和前额样本。还采集了工作场所各种表面的擦拭样本。根据美国国家职业安全与健康研究所（NIOSH）方法9102，使用电感耦合等离子体原子发射光谱法对擦拭样本进行镍分析。
轮班期间手部测量的水合指数显著下降，但在轮班结束时恢复到正常水平。即使在轮班开始前，手部食指和手掌的TEWL指数也表明屏障功能较低，在轮班期间进一步显著恶化。在轮班期间，手部食指和手掌出现大量镍皮肤负荷。颈部和前额的水平要低得多。工人接触的各种工作场所表面也被镍污染。
皮肤状况和皮肤上的高镍含量很可能是由于防护手套提供的化学防护不足所致。虽然镍透过完整皮肤的渗透率被认为较低，但脱水或轻微受损皮肤的屏障功能降低会增加其对镍的渗透率。这些暴露工人的种族可能对观察到的过敏性接触性皮炎低发病率有显著贡献。还建议采取若干措施降低皮肤对镍的接触。
