Horst Christoph Broding

Evidence of increased skin irritation after wet work: impact of water exposure and occlusion

Background. Exposure to humid environments/water and prolonged glove occlusion are both believed to cause irritant contact dermatitis.

Exposure of aircraft maintenance technicians to organophosphates from hydraulic fluids and turbine oils: a pilot study.

Hydraulic fluids and turbine oils contain organophosphates like tricresyl phosphate isomers, triphenyl phosphate and tributyl phosphate from very small up to high percentages. The aim of this pilot study was to determine if aircraft maintenance technicians are exposed to relevant amounts of organophosphates. Dialkyl and diaryl phosphate metabolites of seven organophosphates were quantified in pre- and post-shift spot urine samples of technicians (N=5) by GC-MS/MS after solid phase extraction and derivatization. Pre- and post shift values of tributyl phosphate metabolites (dibutyl phosphate (DBP): median pre-shift: 12.5 μg/L, post-shift: 23.5 μg/L) and triphenyl phosphate metabolites (diphenyl phosphate (DPP): median pre-shift: 2.9 μg/L, post-shift: 3.5 μg/L) were statistically higher than in a control group from the general population (median DBP: <0.25 μg/L, median DPP: 0.5 μg/L). No tricresyl phosphate metabolites were detected. The aircraft maintenance technicians were occupationally exposed to tributyl and triphenyl phosphate but not to tricresyl phosphate, tri-(2-chloroethyl)- and tri-(2-chloropropyl)-phosphate. Further studies are necessary to collect information on sources, routes of uptake and varying exposures during different work tasks, evaluate possible health effects and to set up appropriate protective measures.

Considerations for the design and technical setup of a human whole-body exposure chamber.

Exposures to air contaminants, such as chemical vapors and particulate matter, pose important health hazards at workplaces. Short-term experimental exposures to chemical vapors and particles in humans are a promising attempt to investigate acute effects of such hazards. However, a significant challenge in this field is the determination of effects of co-exposures to more than one chemical or mixtures of chemical vapors and/or particles. To overcome such a challenge, studies have to be conducted under standardized exposure characterization and real time measurements, if possible. A new exposure laboratory (ExpoLab) was installed at IPA, combining sophisticated engineering designs with new analytical techniques, to fulfill these requirements. Low-dose as well as high-dose exposure scenarios are achieved by means of a calibration-gas-generator. Exposure monitoring can be carried out with a high performance real time mass spectrometer and other suitable analyzers (e.g. gas chromatograph). Numerous automated security facilities guarantee the physical integrity of the volunteers, and the waste atmosphere is removed using either charcoal filtration or catalytic post-combustion. Measurements of sulfur hexafluoride, carbon dioxide, aniline and carbon black are presented to demonstrate the performance of the exposure unit with respect to the temporal and spatial stability of generated atmospheres. The variations of generated contents in the atmospheres at steady state are slightly higher than the measurement precision of the analyzers (the typical standard deviation of generated atmospheres is < 2%). The technical components of ExpoLab and its monitoring systems ensure high quality standards in validity and reliability of generating and measuring exposure atmospheres.

In vivo monitoring of epidermal absorption of hazardous substances by confocal Raman micro-spectroscopy.

Background: Presently, percutaneous absorption of potentially hazardous chemicals in humans can only be assessed in animal experiments, in vitro, or predicted mathematically. Our aim was to demonstrate the proof‐of‐principle of a novel quantitative in vivo assay for percutaneous absorption: confocal Raman micro‐spectroscopy (CRS). The advantages and limitations of CRS for health risk assessments are discussed.

Reply to the letter of Anderson J entitled “Comment on Schindler, BK; Weiss, T; Schütze, A; et al. Occupational exposure of air crews to tricresyl phosphate isomers and organophosphate flame retardants after fume events, Arch Toxicol (2013) 87:645–648”

with creatinine concentrations above 3.0 g/L or below 0.3 g/L are considered as either highly concentrated or, in turn, diluted they are still suitable to identify exposure. Consequently, we decided not to exclude outlying values from data evaluation. However, a total number of 37 samples contained urinary creatinine levels above 3 g/L (2 samples) or below 0.3 g/L (35 samples). With respect to the presented statistical data of the organophosphate metabolites of tributyl (TBP), tris-(2-chloroethyl) (TCEP) and triphenyl (TPP) phosphates, there was no significant influence by the chosen approach. Ms. Anderson states that there are a total of ten isomers of TCP; four are meta and para isomers, and the remaining six are ortho isomers. This statement is misleading. Although TCP consists of ten isomers in total, there are six ortho, six meta and six para isomers. Three TCP isomers are “pure” isomers (o,o,o-, m,m,mand p,p,p-TCP). Seven isomers are “mixed” isomers, from which six contain two equal cresyl substituents (o,o,p-, o,o,m-, o,m,m-, m,m,p-, o,p,pand m,p,p-TCP) and one contains all three possible cresyl substituents (o,m,p-TCP). Consequently, each “mixed” isomer belongs to at least two groups of position isomers, e.g., o,o,p-TCP is an ortho isomer as well as a para isomer. According to common nomenclature, we used “o-TCP” for the sum of all six o-cresyl containing isomers (o,o,o-, o,o,m-, o,o,p-, o,m,m-, o,p,pand o,m,p-TCP). But o-TCP must not be mistaken for “ToCP” which is commonly used for o,o,o-TCP. Anyway, we agree with Ms. Andersons perception that “there is little if any ToCP in aviation oils.” Furthermore, there is very little o-TCP as already quoted in our paper (<0.01 % according to Craig and Barth 1999). In her letter to the editor, it is pointed out that “the three urinary metabolites alone [used in our survey] are insufficient to characterize onboard exposure to TCPs in aircraft In a letter to the editor, the industrial hygienist Ms. J. Anderson from the American Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) raised concerns in reference to our article (Schindler et al. 2013, DOI 10.1007/s00204-012-0978-0). We thank the editors of Archives of Toxicology for offering us the opportunity to reply to the remarks addressed by Ms. Anderson as follows: It is correct that the 332 pilots and flight attendants included in our survey represent 51 flights in total—the most extensive survey on aircrew exposure to tricresyl phosphates (TCP) so far. All subjects experienced a smell event (oil smell, stinky socks or other smells) which was considered to be serious enough to visit the airport physician directly after landing for a medical examination. Solely subjects issued with an accident notification for the responsible German statutory accident insurance (BG Verkehr) were included in our survey. The fact that in all cases at least several persons from the same flight took part in such medical examinations strengthens the self-reported statements of the participants and confirms that in each case there was a notable event in reality. However, the severity of the self-reported events cannot be assessed so far. The prime reason to conduct our survey was to answer the question whether there was a fume or smell eventrelated exposure to TCP or not. Even though urine samples

Haut und berufliche UV-Strahlung künstlicher Quellen

ZusammenfassungIn den unterschiedlichsten Arbeitsbereichen kann es zur Exposition der Haut mit UV-Strahlung aus künstlichen Quellen kommen. Diese UV-Strahlung unterscheidet sich von der solaren UV-Strahlung meist bezüglich der Intensität und des Spektrums. In Folge werden im Rahmen einer Übersicht die bisherigen aktuellen Entwicklungen mit der Einführung von rechtsverbindlichen Expositionsgrenzwerten für Arbeitsplätze mit UV-Strahlung aus künstlichen Quellen, eine Auswahl der betroffenen Tätigkeitsfelder und eine Übersicht über das Auftreten von Dermatosen und dermatologisch relevanten Hauterkrankungen durch diese spezifischen beruflichen Expositionen gegeben. Letzteres ist im Rahmen der berufsdermatologischen und arbeitsmedizinischen Beratung von Patienten und Arbeitnehmern relevant. Anhand der existierenden Studien an Schweißerkollektiven und an Arbeitsplätzen mit „offenen Flammen“ (am Beispiel der Glasbläser) wird evident, dass es bisher zwar keine belastbaren Daten bezüglich einer chronischen Lichtschädigung oder dem Auftreten von UV-typischen Hautkrebserkrankungen gibt, aber eindeutige Erkenntnisse bezüglich des regelmäßigen Auftretens von akuten Lichtschädigungen.AbstractIn various areas of professional activity, exposure of skin to ultraviolet radiation coming from artificial sources may occur. These UV rays differ from the solar UV radiation due to their intensity and spectrum. We review current developments with the introduction of statutory exposure limit values for jobs with UV radiation from artificial sources, a selection of relevant activities with artificial UV exposure and an overview of the occurrence of skin disorders and dermatologically relevant skin diseases caused by these specific occupational exposures. The latter is relevant for medical advice in occupational dermatology and occupational medicine. On the basis of existing studies on welders and studies regarding occupations with “open flames” (using the example of the glassblower) it is evident that so far no reliable data exist regarding the chronic photodamage or the occurrence of UV-typical skin cancers, but instead clear evidence exists regarding the regular occurrence of acute light damage in these occupations.

[Skin and occupational artificial UV-radiation].

ZusammenfassungIn den unterschiedlichsten Arbeitsbereichen kann es zur Exposition der Haut mit UV-Strahlung aus künstlichen Quellen kommen. Diese UV-Strahlung unterscheidet sich von der solaren UV-Strahlung meist bezüglich der Intensität und des Spektrums. In Folge werden im Rahmen einer Übersicht die bisherigen aktuellen Entwicklungen mit der Einführung von rechtsverbindlichen Expositionsgrenzwerten für Arbeitsplätze mit UV-Strahlung aus künstlichen Quellen, eine Auswahl der betroffenen Tätigkeitsfelder und eine Übersicht über das Auftreten von Dermatosen und dermatologisch relevanten Hauterkrankungen durch diese spezifischen beruflichen Expositionen gegeben. Letzteres ist im Rahmen der berufsdermatologischen und arbeitsmedizinischen Beratung von Patienten und Arbeitnehmern relevant. Anhand der existierenden Studien an Schweißerkollektiven und an Arbeitsplätzen mit „offenen Flammen“ (am Beispiel der Glasbläser) wird evident, dass es bisher zwar keine belastbaren Daten bezüglich einer chronischen Lichtschädigung oder dem Auftreten von UV-typischen Hautkrebserkrankungen gibt, aber eindeutige Erkenntnisse bezüglich des regelmäßigen Auftretens von akuten Lichtschädigungen.AbstractIn various areas of professional activity, exposure of skin to ultraviolet radiation coming from artificial sources may occur. These UV rays differ from the solar UV radiation due to their intensity and spectrum. We review current developments with the introduction of statutory exposure limit values for jobs with UV radiation from artificial sources, a selection of relevant activities with artificial UV exposure and an overview of the occurrence of skin disorders and dermatologically relevant skin diseases caused by these specific occupational exposures. The latter is relevant for medical advice in occupational dermatology and occupational medicine. On the basis of existing studies on welders and studies regarding occupations with “open flames” (using the example of the glassblower) it is evident that so far no reliable data exist regarding the chronic photodamage or the occurrence of UV-typical skin cancers, but instead clear evidence exists regarding the regular occurrence of acute light damage in these occupations.

Working poor in Germany: Dimensions of the problem and repercussions for the health-care system

The ‘working poor’ may not exceed the poverty threshold despite full-time (or even double) employment. The general relationship between poverty and illness is understood, but little is known about specific health implications of the ‘working poor’ status. The proportion of ‘working poor’ is increasing in Germany. Poverty-related health problems occur because of a lower standard of nutrition and housing, financial restraints, bad labour conditions, high-risk behaviours, and lack of access to health services. Impaired health status, in turn, adversely affects incomes and wages, raising concern about a vicious circle. Limited health-care resources demand preventive policies to improve employment status and income. Health and economic policy demand specific research on the health implications of precarious employment. In some areas, swift action is required.

Haut und berufliche UV-Strahlung künstlicher Quellen@@@Skin and occupational artificial UV-radiation

ZusammenfassungIn den unterschiedlichsten Arbeitsbereichen kann es zur Exposition der Haut mit UV-Strahlung aus künstlichen Quellen kommen. Diese UV-Strahlung unterscheidet sich von der solaren UV-Strahlung meist bezüglich der Intensität und des Spektrums. In Folge werden im Rahmen einer Übersicht die bisherigen aktuellen Entwicklungen mit der Einführung von rechtsverbindlichen Expositionsgrenzwerten für Arbeitsplätze mit UV-Strahlung aus künstlichen Quellen, eine Auswahl der betroffenen Tätigkeitsfelder und eine Übersicht über das Auftreten von Dermatosen und dermatologisch relevanten Hauterkrankungen durch diese spezifischen beruflichen Expositionen gegeben. Letzteres ist im Rahmen der berufsdermatologischen und arbeitsmedizinischen Beratung von Patienten und Arbeitnehmern relevant. Anhand der existierenden Studien an Schweißerkollektiven und an Arbeitsplätzen mit „offenen Flammen“ (am Beispiel der Glasbläser) wird evident, dass es bisher zwar keine belastbaren Daten bezüglich einer chronischen Lichtschädigung oder dem Auftreten von UV-typischen Hautkrebserkrankungen gibt, aber eindeutige Erkenntnisse bezüglich des regelmäßigen Auftretens von akuten Lichtschädigungen.AbstractIn various areas of professional activity, exposure of skin to ultraviolet radiation coming from artificial sources may occur. These UV rays differ from the solar UV radiation due to their intensity and spectrum. We review current developments with the introduction of statutory exposure limit values for jobs with UV radiation from artificial sources, a selection of relevant activities with artificial UV exposure and an overview of the occurrence of skin disorders and dermatologically relevant skin diseases caused by these specific occupational exposures. The latter is relevant for medical advice in occupational dermatology and occupational medicine. On the basis of existing studies on welders and studies regarding occupations with “open flames” (using the example of the glassblower) it is evident that so far no reliable data exist regarding the chronic photodamage or the occurrence of UV-typical skin cancers, but instead clear evidence exists regarding the regular occurrence of acute light damage in these occupations.

Beruflich bedingte Leukoderme und Vitiligo@@@Induction of occupational leucoderma and vitiligo: Kann Butylhydroxytoluol ähnlich dem p-tert.-Butylphenol eine Vitiligo auslösen?@@@Can butylated hydroxytoluene induce vitiligo similarly to p-tert-butylphenol?

BACKGROUND While vitiligo is usually idiopathic, some cases are caused by chemicals. If occupational exposure to p-tert-butylphenol (ptBP) leads to vitiligo, the legal requirements for occupational disease Nr. 1314 can be fulfilled in Germany. Chemicals of similar structure can induce local and more widespread symmetrical depigmentation with genital involvement, making the differential diagnosis more complicated. Occupationally caused depigmentation from other chemicals can also be treated according to § 9 sec. 2 of the occupational disease regulations. MATERIALS AND METHODS Some substances can cause leukoderma only in animals; others in animals and humans; in some cases systemic vitiligo-like changes develop. The effects on human skin cannot always be predicted from the structural analogies of the involved chemicals. RESULTS Based on a case of occupational exposure to butyl hydroxytoluene with possible induction of vitiligo, a careful updated literature analysis of substances inducing depigmentation is presented. CONCLUSION The literature contains discrepancies in the evidence for the ability of some substances-especially BHT-to cause vitiligo. A more exact analysis indicates that BHT does not cause vitiligo or leukoderma.