Abstract
Air hammer (handheld power tools) operators encounter a variety of irritants as well-recognized contact allergens due to the labor-intensive nature of occupation in industries such as forestry, construction, and, less commonly, the dental professionals.
Laborers are known to develop hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) which is characterized by vascular, neurological, and musculoskeletal symptoms.
Vibrations emitted between 30 and 300 Hz are strongly associated with the development of HAVS.
Numerous other variables influence the development of HAVS, including type of vibration, ambient temperature, and smoking status; hence the latency period varies considerably.
The neurological component of HAVS is significantly debilitating and can interfere in daily activities resulting in a reduced quality of life.
Prevention is the focus of management of HAVS with avoidance of further vibration exposure being crucial.
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Gawkrodger, D.J., Shah, M. (2020). Air Hammer Operators. In: John, S., Johansen, J., Rustemeyer, T., Elsner, P., Maibach, H. (eds) Kanerva’s Occupational Dermatology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-68617-2_117
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-68617-2_117
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