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Skin exposure to epoxy chemicals in construction coating, assessed by observation, interviews, and measurements
Author(s) -
Suuronen Katri,
Bäck Beatrice,
AaltoKorte Kristiina,
Pesonen Maria,
Jungewelter Soile,
HenriksEckerman MajLen,
Mäkelä Erja
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
contact dermatitis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.524
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1600-0536
pISSN - 0105-1873
DOI - 10.1111/cod.13122
Subject(s) - epoxy , coating , diglycidyl ether , acetone , bisphenol a , materials science , composite material , chemistry , organic chemistry
Background Epoxy resin systems (ERSs) are among the leading causes of occupational allergic contact dermatitis. Objectives To identify riskful exposures and sources of skin exposure, and to quantify skin exposure to diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) epoxy monomer, in construction coating work. Methods Skin exposure to epoxy chemicals was studied in 5 coating companies through (a) interviews and visual observation, (b) quantifying DGEBA on 12 workers’ skin by tape‐stripping, (c) measuring DGEBA on 23 surfaces by wipe‐sampling, and (d) quantifying DGEBA in new sewage pipe. Acetone extracts of the tapes, wipes and sawdust from a newly hardened sewage pipe were analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Results Identified riskful exposures were, for example, mixing ERSs, handling coating pots, and working above shoulder level. Epoxy stains on, for example, tools, equipment and clothing were seen in all workplaces. Protective gloves were of varying quality, and were not always suitable for chemicals. The amount of DGEBA on the workers’ skin varied considerably. All screened tool handles were contaminated. Two‐day‐old epoxy sewage pipe contained 3.2% DGEBA. Conclusions Construction coating entails skin contact with ERSs directly and via contaminated surfaces, personal protective equipment, and recently hardened epoxy materials. Observation is a useful method for assessing skin exposure in coating work.