Chemists

Abstract

Due to the diversity and large number of skin-hazardous chemicals to which chemists may be exposed, it is impossible to provide a comprehensive list. Occupational dermatosis is often the consequence of accidental exposure, such as a spillage of a chemical on the skin. Distillation or other purification procedures carry an increased risk of skin exposure. Often the sensitizers are not the final compounds, but intermediates. Occupational contact allergy is diagnosed particularly often among chemistry students and those conducting their postgraduate studies in chemistry. Allergic contact dermatitis among chemistry researchers is often the first clue that a new chemical is a potential contact sensitizer. See Chap. 169, “Laboratory Technicians,” for the prevention of occupational skin diseases.