According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
it is estimated that more than 13 million workers in the United States are
potentially exposed to chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin. “Skin
exposure to hazardous agents can result in a variety of occupational diseases
and disorders, including occupational skin disease and systemic toxicity.” The
second most common type of occupational disease is occupational skin diseases. Occupational
skin diseases consist of multiple things, ranging from allergic reactions to
skin cancer.
“Workers at risk of potentially harmful exposures of the
skin include, those working in the following industries and sectors: food
services, cosmetology, agriculture, cleaning, mechanics, and construction.”
With these occupations comes risk that most people are aware of before committing
to a company or a job. Occupational injuries can be anything from cutting yourself
in a food service job, to getting blisters working in construction or landscaping,
and can also come from individuals being exposed to, too much sun in their
specific occupation. The skin is our body’s largest organ, and is made up of
two layers the epidermis and the dermis. “The skin provides a unique shield
which protects within limits against mechanical forces, or penetration by
various chemical agents.”
Skin diseases can look different from one another and range
in severity. “A number of chemicals with or without direct toxic effect on the
skin can also cause systemic intoxication following absorption through the
skin. Meaning the agent must pass through the keratin and the epidermal cell
layers, then through the epidermal-dermal junction.” With so many types of
diseases related to the skin it is important to take into account the measures
of how to reduce the risks. In a work setting one should take their time to do
delegated tasks instead of rushing that may end in injuring themselves. Also,
if a person knows they will be in the sun for a long period of time take appropriate
precautions and wear sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from possible skin
cancer.
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/skin/
http://www.ilocis.org/documents/chpt12e.htm
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