Non-occupational contact sensitization to epoxy resin of bisphenol A among general dermatology patients

Background. Sensitization to epoxy resins often results from occupational exposure in various fields of construction and industry. Non‐occupational sensitization sources and environments have remained overlooked. Objectives. To analyse non‐occupational and occupational contact sensitization to epoxy resin of bisphenol A among general dermatology patients. Special attention was paid to patients sensitized from non‐occupational sources. Patients and methods. During a 10‐year period, 6042 general dermatology patients were patch tested with epoxy resin (bisphenol A) in the Dermatology Clinic of Turku University Hospital. The clinical data and the sources of occupational and non‐occupational exposure to epoxy resin were analysed in sensitized patients. Results. Epoxy resin sensitization was found in 59 patients. Non‐occupational sensitization was found in 21 (35%) patients, whereas the number of occupational cases was 38 (65%). The most common sources of non‐occupational epoxy resin sensitization were materials used in domestic renovation and construction projects and in boat repair. Conclusions. Non‐occupational sensitization sources account for approximately one‐third of epoxy resin sensitization cases, and therefore represent an important risk among hobbies and leisure activities.