Hubungan Proses Kerja Dengan Kejadian Dermatitis Kontak Iritan Pada Petani Rumput Laut Di Kabupaten Bantaeng Sulawesi Selatan

Work-related dermatitis is one of the most common occupational diseases. It stems from irritant substances or allergens and can produce a rush or other skin condition ranging from mild and temporary to severe and long-term. In the period of June until December 2004, there were reports of skin disease arised from seaweed farmers in Bantaeng District, South Sulawesi. For that reason, the purpose of this study wasto analyze the correlation of irritant contact dermatitis among seaweed farmers with their working process. Two hundred and ten respondents were selected by systematic random sampling in 7 villages from 14 villages that has a seaweed production center. All respondents were evaluated to examine their general physical health and skin condition. They were also interviewed to obtain information about individual characteristics and working-related behavior. Laboratory test was conduct to examine seaweed samples and chemical assessment of seawater. The result showed that 118 respondents (56,2%) were diagnosed a work related Irritant Contact Dermatitis (ICD). Hands (fingers) were common location for the disease can be found and seaweed farmers whose working duration more than twenty days in a month will have a risk of 2.6 times to experience ICD. An estimated the toxic substances that produced are hydroid, we suggested farmers should use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as boots and gloves. It was also important to do personal hygiene, including hand washing and bathing after work