Contact sensitization in fruit farmers

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of sensitization and contact dermatitis in a population of Italian farmers and the importance of pesticides as skin sensitizers. Sixty-four female worker (mean age 35) employed in the harvesting of cherries, peaches, olives and grapes were studied. Skin diseases were assessed with a questionnaire and physical examination. The farm workers were patch tested with the GIRDCA standard series containing 30 allergens and six pesticides currently used on the farm. 18 workers (28%) were sensitized to one or more allergens. 36 subjects (52%) were found to be atopic and three (4.7%) had dermatitis of the hands with positive reactions to the GIRDCA standard series. Differences in contact sensitization betweeen atopic and non atopic patients were not statistically significant (χ2 test). One worker had contact urticaria to peaches and 36 farmers (52%) referred to itching and skin rashes in summer, during the harvesting of peaches. Only 18 workers reported that they almost always wore protective clothing. Despite the high frequency of positive patch tests, contact sensitization to pesticides was unusual in our group. No cases of allergic contact dermatitis to pesticides were found and only one patient who was symptomless (1.5%) had an allergic reaction to pesticides (azinphos-methyl). Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.