Occupational dermatoses from plastic composites

Occupational dermatoses caused by plastic composites based on polyester resins, epoxy resins and vinyl ester resins (epoxy diacrylates) were reviewed. Common causes of irritant contact dermatitis are glass-fibre reinforcement and dust from product-finishing processes. Irritant contact dermatoses are also caused by resins, styrene, acetone, benzoyl peroxide, etc. Diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) epoxy resin, amine hardeners, dicarboxylic (phthalic) anhydride hardeners and reactive epoxy diluents are common causes of allergic contact dermatitis. Non-DGEBA epoxy resins, tetraglycidyl-4,4′-methylenedianiline (TGMDA) and triglycidyl-p-aminophenol (TGPAP) used in carbon fibre reinforced composites may cause sensitization from prepregs. Diethylene glycol maleate is a new allergen in polyester resin cement. Natural rubber latex in protective gloves, and low molecular weight chemicals such as the epoxy resin hardener methyl tetrahydrophthalic anhydride (MTHPA) are causes of immunologic contact urticaria. Patch-testing with materials used by the patients at work, together with chemical analysis, is often needed to find the causative allergen, in addition to patch testing with standard test trays. Avoidance of skin contact with resin compounds, use of protective gloves, local ventilation, proper working methods, and informing the workers, are needed to lower the prevalence of occupational dermatoses in the manufacture of plastic composites. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.