Lipoatrophia Semicircularis

CONTEXT

Lipoatrophia is a medical term that generically refers to the loss of fatty tissue in the skin and in the rest of the organism (lipodystophy). Lipoatrophia semicircularis (LS) is, in turn, a specific clinical case of the disease, characterised as a linear depression of the surface of the skin resulting from atrophy and the consequent depression of the adipose tissue (ribbing), without showing any inflammatory signs and without any damage to the skin and muscle. It normally occurs in the thighs, forearms and abdomen of employees (generally female). It is prone to be produced in certain modern or renovated buildings, considered to be “sick buildings”.

Although there is no scientific evidence on the causes of LS, three factors concerning the internal work environment are related to the disease: repeated microtrauma, the relative humidity of the air, and electricity. A building is considered to be sick if it presents at least one case of LS.

Repeated microtrauma is usually caused by the employee’s habits and practices, such as leaning on the edges of desks and dressing in very tight clothing, exerting constant pressure on an affected area. The low relative humidity of the internal environment (less than 50%) may subsequently also be a risk factor for the disease. In relation to static electricity, LS can be developed through direct contact with metal furniture and with non-grounded devices.

OBJECTIVE

Prevent and control the possible appearance of lipoatrophia semicircularis associ-ated with facilities, work conditions and housing.

PROPOSALS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Teach employees how to sit down at their work desks to facilitate relaxation and foster alternative movements of the muscle groups.
Ensure that interior relative humidity is maintained above 50% by means of a natural or intelligent system ventilation, air humidifiers or even plants. Do not exceed the relative humidity established in the environmental conditions for work centres.
Provide/use chairs that have a cushioned, horizontal seat, slope forward and are at the height of the muscle behind the knee.
Provide/use desks with wide rounded edges and install protective elements in support areas.
Provide/use furniture that dissipates static electricity.
Avoid the use of furniture made entirely of metal.
Avoid running loose cables under desks in order to prevent electromagnetic interference in the network.
Do not rest feet on chair legs or continuously rest parts of the body on the edges of desks.
Ground devices to reduce electrostatic charges.
Adjust the characteristics of each building, studying the specific risk factors and applying palliative measures.