You take on a job as factory doctor at a chrome plating factory. You notice that many workers are coming to the clinic for treatment of sores on their hands. You investigate another worker and conclude that he may have occupational asthma.
Eventually, you recall what you were taught in your DOH and resolve to tackle the problem proactively, through an active surveillance programme, rather than just use your 2 hours per week for treatment of ailments. As a first step, you consult a colleague who you know to be running clinics in an industry that also uses chrome. To your surprise, he’s seeing none of the problems that you are.
What are the different health effects that may be caused by chrome?
What could be the reason/s for the discrepancy between the experiences of yourself and your colleague? Discuss the pathophysiology of chrome disease.
Design a surveillance programme ; what would it include, how often, etc.
What controls could be implemented to reduce exposure?
Would you inform the occupational asthmatic that he may be at risk of developing lung cancer?
What are the South African standards for chrome exposure and how do they compare to international standards?
Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Health (DOH) - Modules 3: Occupational Medicine & Toxicology (Basic) by Profs Mohamed Jeebhay and Rodney Ehrlich, Health Sciences UCT is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 2.5 South Africa License. Major contributors: Mohamed Jeebhay, Rodney Ehrlich, Jonny Myers, Leslie London, Sophie Kisting, Rajen Naidoo, Saloshni Naidoo. Source available from here. For any updates to the material, or more permissions beyond the scope of this license, please email healthoer@uct.ac.za or visit www.healthedu.uct.ac.za.
Last updated Jan 2007.
Disclaimer note: Some resources and descriptions may be out-dated. For suggested updates and feedback, please contact healthoer@uct.ac.za.