Epoxy Resins
摘要
Epoxy resin allergy is a major cause of occupational contact dermatitis, particularly in the construction, painting, aircraft, and electronics manufacturing industries. Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to epoxy resin systems may be caused by resins, hardeners, or reactive diluents. Diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) is the major cause of allergic contact dermatitis from epoxy resin systems; however patch testing solely with DGEBA will miss many cases of epoxy allergy. Patch testing with workers’ own samples is necessary. ACD to epoxy chemicals may present with dermatitis on the hands, arms, neck, and face. Epoxy chemicals may induce airborne allergic contact dermatitis, particularly from volatile reactive diluents and hardeners. Rubber gloves offer poor protection against epoxy chemicals. Gloves made of laminated, multilayered plastic, or thick reusable nitrile are recommended. Crucial factors for the development of allergic contact dermatitis from epoxy resin systems include the type of exposure, size of contaminated skin area, frequency and duration of contact, concentration of epoxy chemical, and use of personal protective equipment. If a worker develops ACD to epoxy chemicals, consider the factors which led to sensitization. It may be that other workers are also at risk.