Comedones, Papules and Cystlike Lesions Photo Below

Chloracne is a severe acne-like skin condition that is still the most sensitive indicator of systemic poisoning caused by chemicals belonging to the group of chlorinated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Chloracne occurs mainly on the face and upper body. The condition usually appears within 2 months of exposure. It is difficult to treat and sometimes persists for many years.

Some chloracnegens are capable of causing a variety of systemic signs and symptoms, and may be oncogenic (capable of causing tumors). Those found with the disorder should be evaluated medically on a regular basis and followed, if possible, throughout their lives.

Some Examples of High Risk Job Tasks Associated With Chloracne:

Remove or replace PCB contaminated fluid in transformers
Work with glue solvents
Work in confined space - Spill or Confined Space Accident
Reclaim scrap metal containing lead, cadmium, beryllium, or mercury
Remove insulation installed before 1975
Work with toxic chemicals that could be spilled or released
Use solder containing colophony, zinc chloride, or ammonium chloride flux
Raise dust of excreta from rodents
Use epoxy, isocyanate, or formaldehyde-resin adhesives, finishes, or sealants
Use n-hexane as a solvent in glues, inks, coatings, or degreasers
Decompose fluoropolymers by welding, burning, brazing, or soldering
Degrease metal
Saw or sand arsenic-treated wood
Saw or sand creosote-treated wood
Heat, machine, or spray lead products
Arc weld aluminum
Arc weld stainless steel
Worked in pulp and paper mill for years with repeated heavy exposures to irritating gases

Some Hazardous Agents That Cause Chloracne: Dermatotoxins:

Chlorinated dibenzofurans
Chlorinated diphenyl oxide
Chlorodiphenyl (42% chlorine)
Chlorodiphenyl (54% chlorine)
Dichlobenil
Dichloroaniline (mixed isomers)
Hexachloronaphthalene
Octachloronaphthalene
Pentachloronaphthalene
Pentachlorophenol
Polybrominated biphenyls
Propanil
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin
Tetrachloronaphthalene
Trichloronaphthalene

Oil Folliculitis Chronic, Chloracne

Chloracne in this herbicide production worker involved almost every follicular orifice on his face and neck with comedones, papules and cystlike lesions.

References:
1) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - April 2001 - www.cdc.gov
2) Haz-Map - Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Agents - Specialized Information Services (SIS) - U.S. National Library of Medicine - National Institutes of Health - November 2007 - hazmap.nlm.nih.gov