Occupational dermatoses in a Swedish aircraft plant

A survey of occupational dermatoses, based on a questionnaire, clinical examination and patch testing, was curried out among 341 workers in an aircraft plant. The questionnaire was answered by 330 workers (96.8%), Present or previous skin disease was reported by 92 employees, who were all subjected to physical examination and patch testing. Patch testing was conducted with a standard series, us well as with a series of substances and products representing the work environment. Occupational contact allergies were established in 12 employees. In total, the figure for occupational skin diseases was 16.1% (55 workers), when calculated for all employees.     

Allergic contact dermatitis from non-diglycidyl-ether-of-bisphenol-A epoxy resins

In addition to previously presented patients with allergic contact dermatitis from cycloaliphatic epoxy resins (ERs), during 1974-1990, we have seen 4 patients with allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) caused by products containing uncured non-diglycidyl-ether-of-bisphenol-A ER. The patients were negative on patch testing with the standard ER based on diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA-ER). The following non-DGEBA-ERs were included in the causative agents: heterocyclic dimethylhydantoin ER, phenol novolak ER, and brominated ER. We were unable to specify the type of ER in an epoxy primer used by the 4th patient. Apart from the ACD caused by the brominated ER, 1 of the patients also had IgE-mediated occupational rhinitis caused by methyl hexahydrophthalic anhydride (MHHPA), an epoxy hardener. The diagnosis was verified by positive prick tests and specific IgE determinations with MHHPA. Intense rhinitis evoked by a bronchial challenge with MHHPA confirmed the diagnosis. We stress the importance of performing patch testing with the relevant epoxy resins to which the patient has been exposed, in addition to patch testing with the standard ER.     

Occupational allergic contact dermatitis to isophorone diamine (IPD) used as an epoxy resin hardener

Three patients employed in the manufacture of plastic tennis rackets developed allergic contact dermatitis to isophorone diamine (IPD), an epoxy resin hardener, and concomitantly to epoxy resin. Patch tests were positive to IPD at 1, 2 and 5% in olive oil and to IPD at 1, 2 and 5% in ethanol. Investigations were conducted in control subjects to confirm the allergic nature of reactions. A review of the literature about IPD and related compounds is presented.     

Hand dermatitis in the pottery industry

Irritant hand dermatitis has long been recognized in the pottery industry. In our series, among workers handling glaze, sensitization to chromate was common and allergy to other metals and to biocides also occurred. Allergy to oil additives was found in mould makers. Whilst irritant hand dermatitis does occur, allergy to metals and biocides should be looked for in workers handling glazes, and allergy to oil additives in mould makers.     

Contact vitiligo following a strong patch test reaction to triglycidyl-p-aminophenol in an aircraft industry worker: case report and review of the literature

Epoxy resin systems (ERSs) are a frequent cause of occupational allergic contact dermatitis. A 50-year-old patient developed eczematous skin lesions on the back of his hands, lower arms and eye lids, 2 months after he had started working in aircraft construction. Patch tests showed positive reactions at day 3 to nickel sulfate, epoxy resin based on diglycidyl ether of bisphenol F (DGEBF) and 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (1,4-BDDGE). The chemical triglycidyl-p-aminophenol (TGPAP) applied at 1% and 0.1% induced the strongest (+++ positive) reaction. About 4 months after the patch test with TGPAP, the patient presented with 2 circular depigmented spots in the former TGPAP-patch test areas. Dermatohistopathology confirmed the diagnosis of contact vitiligo.     

Sensitization to epoxy resin systems in special flooring workers *

The use of new products in building and public works is increasing, among them being special floor coverings containing epoxy resins and derivatives. These are used principally in heavily frequented areas, such as shopping precincts, hospitals, civic centres, etc., due to their high resistance to wear and tear, environmental factors, etc. In the last 2 years, we have studied 15 cases of men sensitized to epoxy resin, or derivatives, who worked with special floorings. Speed of sensitization, severity of lesions, and localization to the hands, face and legs were characteristic.