Epoxy and
acrylic resins have numerous industrial applications but are also widely used in the household environment. These compounds are presently one of the most important sources of occupational
contact dermatitis. Contact sensitization to
epoxy resins is usually caused by the resin itself but hardeners or other additives, such as reactive diluents,
plasticizers, fillers and pigments, can occasionally be responsible. Since completely cured
epoxy resins are not sensitizers,
epoxy resin sensitization is always due to the presence, in the final
polymer, of uncured allergenic low molecular weight oligomers.
Acrylates are now considered the fourth most common cause of contact sensitization due to resins. Unpolymerized monomers of acrylic compounds are known to be responsible for the contact
allergy. Accelerators, inhibitors and catalysts, which are usually added to the
acrylates to promote the polymerization process, can also sensitize. Both allergic and
irritant contact dermatitis may be caused by exposure to epoxy or
acrylic resins and their additives. Contact
urticaria, allergic or
irritant airborne
contact dermatitis caused by volatile compounds, onychia and
paronychia can also occur. From January of 1984 to May of 1992 we detected 39 cases of occupational
allergic contact dermatitis to
epoxy resin system substances and 11 cases of occupational contact sensitization to acrylic compounds. In our experience, the electronics industry as well as paint and glue related activities were the most important sources of epoxy sensitization.
Dental materials and anaerobic sealants were found to be the most frequent
acrylate sensitizers.