Comparison of risk of occupational dermatoses and allergy to metals in workers employed in plants manufacturing prefabricated building products made of ordinary concrete, cellular concrete and asbestos cement.

The frequency of dermatitis, oil acne and allergies to chromium, cobalt and nickel in persons exposed to cement, fly-ashes and asbestos cement was studied. The metal content in these materials was assessed. It was demonstrated that the risk of dermatitis and allergy to metals, and especially to chromium, is higher in persons manufacturing prefabricated building products of cement than in those manufacturing them of fly-ashes and asbestos cement, and the risk is similar in persons making products out of fly-ashes and asbestos cement.