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Skin

Some VDU operators experience skin problems as a result of their work. The symptoms which have been reported include:

• a red rash on the face
• itching
• peeling
• raised spots or pimples
• a glowing sensations, rather like sunburn

A recent Swedish study of 600 VDU workers found that those who worked for four or more hours at a VDU were twice as likely to develop skin problems as those who worked at a VDU for an hour or less a day (VDT News March/April 1992).

There are three main explanations offered for the link between VDU work and skin problems:

1. Environmental factors
2. Static electricity
3. Stress

Environmental factors

The combination of central heating systems, air conditioning and the presence of several types of electrical and electronic equipment such as VDUs and printers can dry out the air which affects the skin, as well as the eyes and the respiratory system. Dry skin becomes itchy, and scratching can lead to dermatitis. Dry air also increases problems with static electricity.

The obvious solution to the problem of over-dry air is to increase the humidity. In the UK, just opening the window to let in more moist British air can increase the humidity, however in sealed buildings, or on cold days, this solution is not available. In such cases the use of humidifiers can be valuable. However, care should be taken to ensure that these are regularly cleaned and properly maintained. Humidifiers which have become contaminated with micro-organisms can cause a respiratory condition known as humidifier fever (London Hazards Centre 1990).

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 which came into force on 1 January 1993 require all mechanical ventilation systems, such as air conditioning systems which include humidifiers, to be regularly and properly cleaned, tested and maintained to ensure that they are kept clean and free from anything which might contaminate the air. The guidance to these regulations also refers to recommendations on temperature, ventilation and humidity produced by the Chartered Institution of Building Service Engineers (CIBSE). CIBSE suggest a relative humidity level of 40-70 per cent to produce a comfortable atmosphere. More recommendations on workplace requirements are given in Chapter 9.

Static electricity

The most usual theory to explain VDU workers' skin rashes is that they are caused by irritation from dust particles attracted to the skin by a build-up of static electricity.

A positive electrostatic charge surrounds the VDU when it is in use. The human body also carries a charge, which is an overall negative charge. The difference in electrostatic charge between a VDU and the operator can cause electrostatic fields as high as 100 volts per centimetre at an operator's face and this field in turn can attract airborne particles (VDT News November/December 1991).

A recent survey of 4,400 employees in 27 office buildings also found that high concentrations of mineral fibre dust at the screen were associated with complaints of symptoms of sick building syndrome even when air quality measurements were satisfactory, suggesting that the capacity of VDUs to generate powerful electrostatic fields may cause more than skin rashes alone (VDT News September/October 1992).

In Sweden, there are strict requirements for VDU emissions including limits on electrostatic fields which must be in the range ± 500 Volts.

Stress

Two Swedish studies of VDU workers reported to the Work with Display Units '92 Conference held in Berlin found that high work load, lack of job control and lack of support from supervisors increased the risk of skin problems.

Researchers at Sweden's Karolinska Institute, which is famous for its work on VDU-related health problems, tested 47 VDU operators, some with and some without work-associated skin complaints. They found that significantly more people in the group with skin problems experienced extreme occupational stress.

Since the link between stress, and the worsening of such conditions as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis is well established it seems likely that stress, along with environmental factors and static electricity plays an important role in the development of VDU-related skin problems.

The HSE notes and guidance to the DSE Regulations say very little about VDU-related skin problems other than acknowledging that they may be caused by environmental factors. However, Regulation 2 makes clear the duty to reduce any risks revealed by analysis of the workstation to the lowest level practicable, and this includes the risk of developing uncomfortable and unsightly skin complaints.