Platinum salt sensitivity in refinery workers: incidence and effects of smoking and exposure. Issue 10 (October 1995)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Calverley, A E; Rees, D; Dowdeswell, R J; Linnett, P J; Kielkowski, D
• Is Part Of: Occupational and environmental medicine. Volume 52:Issue 10(1995)
• Page Start: 661
• Page End: 666
• Publication Date: 1995-10
• Subjects: Medicine, Industrial -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; 616.980305
• DOI: 10.1136/oem.52.10.661
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1351-0711

Abstract

Abstract : OBJECTIVE--To measure the incidence of platinum salt sensitivity (PSS) in refinery workers and examine the influence of cigarette smoking and exposure to platinum salts on sensitisation. DESIGN--A prospective cohort study with examination of workers at quarterly intervals for 18 months, and again at 24 months. SETTING--A South African primary platinum refinery. SUBJECTS--78 new recruits, selected by the refinery's usual procedure, without apparent atopy and in good respiratory health. RESULTS--After 24 months 32 (41%) subjects had been diagnosed PSS and were subsequently medically separated. Twenty two (28%) cases were confirmed by positive skin prick test to platinum salts, 10 (13%) cases were symptomatic but skin prick negative. Incidence of cases per 100 person-months was 1.9 skin prick positive and 0.8 negative. Risk of sensitisation was about eight times greater for smokers than non-smokers, and six times greater for high exposure than low exposure. CONCLUSION--Smoking and intensity of exposure were definitely associated with development of PSS. Positive responses to platinum salt skin prick test had a 100% positive predictive value for symptoms and signs of PSS if exposure continued.