Occupational dermatitis reported in Brazil from 2006 to 2011

INTRODUCTION:  The occupational disease (OD) in Brazil is of great importance for their political and social aspect. Among OD, occupational dermatitis (DO) is considered one of the most common. It corresponds to any change in the skin, mucosa and attachments, directly or indirectly caused, conditioned, maintained or aggravated by agents present in the workplace. The objective of this study is to check the prevalence of OD in Brazil and the related variables.

METHODS:  Cross-sectional study based on secondary data from the Information System for Notifiable Diseases (SINAN). All reported cases of occupational dermatitis were analysed from 2006 to 2011.

RESULTS:  The total number of records of accidents related as OD was 2013 cases, over 80% were from urban districts. Most injuries struck the upper limb(12%), particularly the hand(30%). Data on the education reveal that, in most cases, had high school graduation (23%). The age group most commonly affected was 20-39 years old. Regarding gender, male was the most affected in all years surveyed (58.86%). The field causative agent was not completed or was told as unknown in 65% of cases in the period. In 2006, 50% of reported cases progressed to temporary disability, and 16% in 2011. None of the cases developed to death and there was 1% of total permanent disability registered in 2009. The most frequent type of treatment was outpatient (67%). The type of bond was marked as ignored or left blank in all cases recorded. The type of lesion has not been described. 

CONCLUSIONS:  OD is an important occupational health disease in Brazil. We seek to verify the panorama of occupational dermatitis in Brazil and its variables, in order to develop public policies based on consistent epidemiological data.