Occupational dermatoses from epoxy resin compounds

Contact Dermatitis. 1990 Sep;23(3):172-83. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0536.1990.tb04779.x.

Abstract

This study comprises 40 patients with skin disorders from current or previous occupational exposure to epoxy resin compounds (ERC) during 1984-1988. ERCs were the 3rd most common cause (32 of 264 cases: 12.1%) of currently relevant allergic contact dermatitis: 23 cases from epoxy resins based on the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA-ERs), 5 from reactive diluents, 1 from amine hardeners (DETA), and 3 from epoxy acrylates. 2 cases (0.8%) of irritant contact dermatitis were due to ERCs. Methyl hexahydrophthalic anhydride (MHHPA, an epoxy hardener) caused 1 case of contact urticaria. Previously relevant occupational allergic contact dermatitis from DGEBA-ERs was detected in 5 cases. On patch testing, ERC allergens gave the following positive reactions: epoxy resin of the standard series in 35 cases (4.0% of 870 tested), epoxy reactive diluents in 10 (7.1% of 140), cycloaliphatic epoxy resins in 4 (11.1% of 36), epoxy acrylates in 4 (4.5% of 88), and amine compounds commonly used as epoxy hardeners in 17. Despite extensive patch test series, testing with patients' own ERCs remains important.

MeSH terms

  • Chromatography, Gas
  • Dermatitis, Contact / diagnosis
  • Dermatitis, Contact / etiology*
  • Dermatitis, Occupational / chemically induced*
  • Dermatitis, Occupational / diagnosis
  • Epoxy Resins / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Patch Tests

Substances

  • Epoxy Resins