Background. Dermatitis is an important health outcome for workers whose jobs put
them in contact with irritants or sensitizing agents.
Objectives. We conducted an analysis of data from the Epidemiological Study on the
Risk of Asthma in Cleaning Workers 2 (EPIASLI2) to assess worksites and cleaning
products as risk factors for hand dermatitis among professional cleaning workers.
Materials/methods. We distributed 4993 questionnaires to employees of 37 cleaning
companies, and used data from 818 (16%) respondents who provided information about
skin symptoms and cleaning-related exposures. We assessed associations between the
frequencies of worksite and cleaning product exposures and a symptom-based definition
of hand dermatitis among current cleaning workers (n = 693) and a comparison
population (n = 125).
Results. Hand dermatitis was reported by 28% of current cleaning workers, versus
18% of the comparison population, and was associated with cleaning outdoor areas and
schools, and the use of hydrochloric acid [prevalence ratio (PR) 1.92, 95% confidence
interval (CI) 1.22–3.02] and dust mop products (PR 1.75, 95% CI 1.11–2.75).
Conclusions. Professional cleaning workers may not be sufficiently protected from
cutaneous disease at work. Future research should further investigate the roles of
multiple product exposures and personal protective equipment.