Temporal changes in chromium allergy in Denmark between 2002 and 2017

Background

In 2012, Danish authorities submitted a proposal to the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) restricting the content of hexavalent chromium to a maximum of 3 ppm in leather goods. Following its adoption, this proposal was implemented in 2015 as a directive in the European Union (EU).

Objectives

We examined the temporal trend of chromium contact allergy in adult dermatitis patients patch tested between 2002 and 2017. Furthermore, we determined clinical characteristics and causative exposures in these patients.

Methods

All adult dermatitis patients patch tested between 2002 and 2017 were included. Patch test data was reviewed retrospectively. Comparisons were done using χ² ‐test and logistic regression analysis.

Results

A total of 13379 adults aged 18‐99 were patch tested 2002 to 2017. The overall prevalence of chromium allergy was 2.2%. An overall decreasing trend of the prevalence of chromium allergy was found (P _trend=0.00002). Specifically, a significant difference was found for the study periods 2010‐2013 (P _trend=0.002) and 2014‐2017 (P _trend<0.0001) when compared to 2002‐2005. Leather remained the most important single cause of allergic contact dermatitis to chromium. The proportion of clinically relevant leather exposure increased from 42.3% during 2002‐2009 to 54.8% during 2010‐2017 (P=0.04).

Conclusions

The prevalence of chromium allergy is decreasing. The EU Directive restricting the use of hexavalent chromium in leather goods is thought to play a central role in this change.

from #Head and Neck by Sfakianakis via simeraentaxei on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2Bc4ayz