The use of
acrylate-based
polymers in
dental care in Sweden has increased dramatically in recent years.
Acrylate monomers are sensitizers and can cause
contact dermatitis.
Allergy to
latex, e.g. in rubber gloves, is also an increasing problem in health care and especially in
dental care. The aim was to estimate the prevalences of work related
allergies in dental personnel in a Swedish county with almost 700 dentists, dental nurses and dental hygienists. A questionnaire was distributed to all
dental care units in the county and 98% of the population completed it. Specific
allergy was verified with standard patch and prick testing. Work related
allergy symptoms were reported by 189 subjects, 28%. The prevalences of
acrylate eczema and
latex allergy were 3,0% and 3,7% respectively. The prevalence of all work related skin
allergy was estimated to 8%. The estimated prevalence of
acrylate allergy was close to those of a few other published reports. However, the prevalence of
hypersensitivity to
latex rubber was lower than those reported from other studies. It is concluded that almost one
dental care worker out of ten has a risk of
contact dermatitis, unless measures to reduce hazardous exposure have been taken.