Occupational Skin Conditions Among Green and Non-Green Collar Workers in the United States

Background/Purpose: Occupational skin conditions are some of the most common occupational diseases that may lead to decreased worker productivity. Despite assumed use of environmentally-friendly chemicals and technologies by the newly emerging green collar workforce, little is known of their occupational dermatologic health conditions. We report on the demographics and prevalence of work-related skin conditions among U.S. Green and non-Green collar workers.

 Methods: Data from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey Occupational Health Supplement was linked with O*NET via the National Center for Health Statistics Research Data Center to classify Green (n=2,401) versus non-Green (n=12,593) collar workers. Estimates were weight-adjusted for the complex survey design and stratified by socio-demographic characteristics (e.g. gender, race, ethnicity, age group, and geographic region).  

Results/Outcomes: In 2010, 8% of Green collar workers, who comprise 18% of the U.S. workforce, reported a work-related skin condition, including dermatitis, eczema, or any other red, inflamed skin rash. Green collar workers in the US West Region had the highest work-related skin disease of all geographic regions (12.2%), and non-Green collar workers aged 25-64 had the highest prevalence of work-related skin disease of any category (14.3%). Green collar workers had comparable rates of insurance and medical treatment for their skin conditions compared to non-Green workers. Among Green, the Head and Neck region was 38.9%, Arm 33%, and Hand 22%; while, among non-Green, estimates were 34%, 34%, and 26% respectively.

Conclusions: As the Green collar workforce expands, it is important to identify disparities in work-related skin conditions in order to optimize worker productivity.