A 21-Year Perspective on Occupational Skin and Respiratory Diseases Among Food Handlers.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Food handlers may have an increased risk of developing occupational skin and respiratory diseases.

Methods

This retrospective study was based on examinations, skin prick testing, and patch testing performed at the Unit of Occupational Medicine at the University of Trieste (N-E Italy) between 2002 and 2022 in food-handler workers referred to the unit for suspected occupational allergic diseases.

Results

More than half of the population (58.1%) experienced occupational skin diseases, with a higher prevalence among women (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.5-7.6). Irritant contact dermatitis was the most prevalent skin condition (22.9%), followed by allergic contact dermatitis (20%) and protein contact dermatitis (15.1%). Pastry makers and bakers exhibited a high rate of protei

SUBMITTER: Granzotto J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12363418 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature