P81 Occupational hypersensitivity to platinum group elements

Abstract

Objective: the increasing industrial use of platinum–group elements (PGEs), namely Ir, Pd, Pt and Rh and related hypersensitivity such as respiratory symptoms, urticaria and contact dermatitis, have led to a growing need to monitor selected populations of exposed workers. Our aim is to determine the prevalence and the clinical characteristics of hypersensitivity to the platinum‐group elements; the levels of PGE measured in indoor airborne particulate matter and in biological samples (serum, urine and hair) taken from of employees in a platinum refining and catalyst manufacture; to correlate environmental exposure role and platinum salts concentrations in biological samples in the onset of allergy.Material and methods: 132 subjects variable exposed were informed about the purpose of this study and gave their consent. The examination consisted of a work exposure and medical questionnaire, physical examination, skin prick test to platinum salts and to other common allergens and patch test to platinum salts. Airborne PGEs was collected by personal and area samples. Biological samples (serum, urine and hair) were collected. Analitical procedure based on sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectometry (SP‐ICP‐MS) for the analysis of airborne filter, serum, urine and hair was used. Results: positive prick test to platinum salts were found in 18 workers, 4 out 14 gave simultaneous positive reactions to Pt, Rh and Ir. 2 out 14 gave a positive reaction to Pt and Pd. Positive patch test reactions to Pt were found in 2 subjects, 1 out 2 gave positive reaction also to PdConclusion: the preliminary results of the investigation indicate that Pt‐salts are important allergens in catalyst industry and that the clinical manifestation involves both the respiratory system and the skin