Dithiocarbamates

Evaluation of dithiocarbamates with regard to the effect of an allergy on the reduction of earning capacity:

• A distinction is made between water-soluble sodium dithiocarbamates and water-insoluble zinc dithiocarbamates. From this group of substances, the following are clinically relevant: zinc diethyl dithiocarbamate, zinc dibuthyldithiocarbamate and zinc dipentamethylene dithiocarbamate. Occurs especially in elastomers. Zinc-dithiocarbamates are often used in combination with diphenylguanidine as secondary accelerators. Therefore, zinc dithiocarbamates and diphenylguanidine can be expected to occur together, especially in protective gloves made of latex and other elastomers, but also in private surroundings, e.g. in condoms, rubber boots, rubber-coated clothing, rubber-coated tools, seals and cable insulation.
• Zinc diethyldithiocarbamate is considered the most important allergen from the group of dithiocarbamates. Besides thiurams and mercaptobenzothiazole derivatives, these substances are used as vulcanization accelerators in the production of latex rubber and other elastomers.
• Dithiocarbamates are also used as fungicides. These include: zinc dimehyldithiocarbamate (Ziram), zinc ethylene bis-dithiocarbamate (Zineb) and manganese ethylene bis-dithiocarbamate (Maneb).
• Cross-reactions with thiurams are often described.
• Relevant occupational exposures: Workplaces in rubber production and processing, assembly of rubber containing workpieces and cable insulation, seals and hydraulic hoses, if they involve relevant contact with dithiocarbamates. Dithiocarbamates are still used as fungicides. As a result, agricultural occupations and professions in horticulture, the manufacture and processing of crop protection products and pest control may be closed off.
• Effect of an allergy: "Low" for isolated sensitization, given the emphasis on the use of the allergen in protective gloves and the possibilities of avoiding the allergen. "Moderate" in the case of a very high degree of sensitization, relevant for occasional contact with rubber products containing allergens; these must be justified separately.
• Closed working areas are workplaces in rubber production and processing when dithiocarbamates are processed. Closed are agricultural occupations or occupations in horticulture, production and processing of plant protection products and pest control. A hazard exists in assembly activities of rubber-containing materials, cable insulation, seals, hydraulic hoses.