OCCUPATIONAL SKIN-DISEASE IN NEWSPAPER PRESSROOM WORKERS

Studies of printing industry tradespeople have reported an increased problem of dermatologic abnormalities, including contact dermatitis and dermatitis attributed to solvent exposure. The current cross-sectional health survey of dermatological conditions were conducted in a follow-up of perceived skin abnormalities among newspaper pressroom workers. We surveyed 215 pressroom workers and 34 compositors at a large northeastern US newspaper printing facility. Our findings indicate that printing pressroom workers reported skin condition symptoms at a significantly higher rate than did the compositor referent group. Pressroom workers also were found to be at a significantly elevated risk of developing dermatitis after self-reported exposure to certain commonly used solvents. This emphasizes the need for proper work practices, product substitution where possible, and appropriate protective glove use by newspaper pressroom workers.