Risk of contact allergy and dermatitis at a wind turbine plant using epoxy resin-based plastics.

Abstract

AIMS:

To identify workplace and individual risk factors for occupational contact allergy and dermatitis.

METHODS:

A cross-sectional study was carried out at an international company producing wind turbine systems in Denmark. A cohort of 724 production workers at four facilities was highly exposed to epoxy resin as well as other chemicals. A screening questionnaire (participation rate 84.7%) was followed by an interview by an occupational physician and a dermatological examination, including patch testing, for a comprehensive list of potential workplace sensitizers.

RESULTS:

Clinically diagnosed dermatitis was found among 214 workers (35.8%) and contact allergy to materials used in the workplace was found in 66 workers (10.9% of the total population and 20.3% of those who underwent patch testing). Of the 66 workers with a work-related allergy, 40 (60.6%) were allergic to epoxy compounds, 25 (37.9%) to hardeners and ten (15.2%) to other workplace materials, where one person showed an allergy only to these materials. Experiencing contact allergy was related to older age and longer employment in the workplace-however, neither of these risk factors was significant. The main risk factor for current dermatitis was contact allergy to materials used in the workplace, determined by patch testing, OR=5.4 (95% CI 3.9-9.9). Fewer days of absence from work was also related to current dermatitis, OR=2.0 (95% CI 1.2-3.5).

CONCLUSIONS:

In a cohort of workers with extensive exposure to chemicals related to epoxy-resin systems, contact dermatitis and allergy was prevalent. Older age and longer duration of employment at the workplace were individual risk factors for allergy to workplace materials, whilst work-related allergies and longer duration of employment at the workplace were significant risk factors for current dermatitis.

• Authors: K Rasmussen, O Carstensen, A Pontén, B Gruvberger, M Isaksson, M Bruze
• Journal: International archives of occupational and environmental health (Int Arch Occup Environ Health) Vol. 78 Issue 3 Pg. 211-7 (Apr 2005) ISSN: 0340-0131 [Print] Germany
• PMID: 15739094 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Epoxy Resins

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Cohort Studies
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Denmark
• Dermatitis, Allergic Contact (etiology)
• Epoxy Resins (adverse effects)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Occupational Exposure
• Risk Assessment
• Surveys and Questionnaires