A cross-sectional study was conducted in May 1988 to investigate an outbreak of dermatitis at a plant producing polyvinyl chloride compound. Twenty-two (52%) of 42 workers reported having had dermatitis during or after May 1985. When prevalence risk ratios (PR) were calculated for each of the job titles at high risk of exposure to airborne dusts and powders, only blender operators were found to have a statistically significant elevated risk of developing dermatitis at any site (PR = 2.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11, 7.13). Blender operators were observed to be exposed to large clouds of airborne dust consisting of powdered pigments and powdered wax. An unexpected finding was the similar but statistically nonsignificant elevation in risk for dermatitis of the lower leg and ankle among employees with high risk of exposure to airborne dusts and powders, a group that includes blender operators (PR = 2.02, 95% CI = 0.48, 8.50). (Dermatitis due to airborne agents is not commonly found on the lower legs.) Dermatitis was likely caused by exposure to airborne dusts and powders, including pigment powders and acrylic polymers that contain residual monomers. Recommendations aimed at reducing exposures and preventing dermatitis include reduction of airborne dust levels through engineering controls, showering at the end of work shifts, and use of protective clothing and skin moisturizers.
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