Skin exposure to epoxy chemicals in construction coating, assessed by observation, interviews, and measurements.

Background: Epoxy resin systems (ERSs) are among the leading causes of occupational allergic contact dermatitis.

Objectives: To identify riskful exposures and sources of skin exposure, and to quantify skin exposure to diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) epoxy monomer, in construction coating work.

Methods: Skin exposure to epoxy chemicals was studied in 5 coating companies through (a) interviews and visual observation, (b) quantifying DGEBA on 12 workers' skin by tape-stripping, (c) measuring DGEBA on 23 surfaces by wipe-sampling, and (d) quantifying DGEBA in new sewage pipe.

Testing Penetration of Epoxy Resin and Diamine Hardeners through Protective Glove and Clothing Materials.

Efficient, comfortable, yet affordable personal protective equipment (PPE) is needed to decrease the high incidence of allergic contact dermatitis arising from epoxy resin systems (ERSs) in industrial countries. The aim of this study was to find affordable, user-friendly glove and clothing materials that provide adequate skin protection against splashes and during the short contact with ERS that often occurs before full cure. We studied the penetration of epoxy resin and diamine hardeners through 12 glove or clothing materials using a newly developed test method.

Occupational contact dermatitis caused by aniline epoxy resins in the aircraft industry.

Background: Tetraglycidyl-4,4'-methylenedianiline (TGMDA) is an aniline epoxy resin used in, for example, resin systems of pre-impregnated composite materials (prepregs) of the aircraft industry. Allergic contact dermatitis caused by TGMDA in prepregs has been described previously.

Objectives: To report on 9 patients with occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by TGMDA in epoxy glues used in helicopter assembly.

Contact allergy to reactive diluents and related aliphatic epoxy resins.

Background: Diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A resin (DGEBA-R) is the most common sensitizer in epoxy systems, but a minority of patients also develop contact allergy to reactive diluents.

Objectives: To analyse the frequency and clinical relevance of allergic reactions to different epoxy reactive diluents and related aliphatic epoxy resins.

Methods: Test files (January 1991 to June 2014) were screened, and the clinical records of patients with allergic reactions were analysed for occupation, concomitant allergic reactions, and exposure.

Role of dermal exposure in systemic intake of methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) among construction and boat building workers.

The causal relationship between inhalation exposure to methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and the risk of occupational asthma is well known, but the role of dermal exposure and dermal uptake of MDI in this process is still unclear. The aims of this study were to measure dermal exposure to and the dermal uptake of MDI among workers (n=24) who regularly handle MDI-urethanes. Dermal exposure was measured by the tape-strip technique from four sites on the dominant hand and arm.