Epoxy-based production of wind turbine rotor blades: occupational dermatoses

Contact Dermatitis. 2004 Jun;50(6):329-38. doi: 10.1111/j.0105-1873.2004.00346.x.

Abstract

Occupational dermatoses were investigated in a factory producing rotor blades for wind turbines by an epoxy-based process. In a blinded study design, 603 workers were first interviewed and thereafter clinically examined. Based on a history of work-related skin disease, clinical findings of dermatitis, or both, 325 (53.9%) of the workers were patch tested with a specially profiled occupational patch-test series and the European standard patch-test series. Calculated on all investigated workers, 17.1% of the workers were diagnosed with occupational dermatoses caused by work. Occupational allergic contact dermatitis was found in 10.9% of the workers. The estimated frequency of irritant contact dermatitis caused by work was 6.1%. Dermatitis on the hands was associated with contact allergy to epoxy resin (P = 0.017). The number of days on leave before the clinical examination was negatively associated with the presence of dermatitis (P = 0.001). Among workers employed 7-12 months, the frequency of occupational contact allergy was higher than that among workers employed for </=6 months (P = 0.004). Females both washed their hands more often (P < 0.001) and used more moisturizers/protection creams at work (P < 0.001) than males. No sex differences were found concerning dermatitis on the hands.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / diagnosis
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / etiology
  • Dermatitis, Irritant / diagnosis
  • Dermatitis, Irritant / etiology
  • Dermatitis, Occupational / diagnosis
  • Dermatitis, Occupational / etiology*
  • Epoxy Resins / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patch Tests

Substances

  • Epoxy Resins