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Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from isothiazolines
Author(s) -
Rustemeyer Thomas,
Bruynzeel D
Publication year - 2004
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/j.0105-1873.2004.0309cp.x
Subject(s) - medicine , allergic contact dermatitis , contact dermatitis , european standard , dermatology , occupational exposure , patch test , physical examination , surgery , toxicology , allergy , medical emergency , architectural engineering , engineering , immunology , biology
Several employees of a construction adhesives‐producing plant developed skin problems. Within few weeks, 4 out of 12 workers got itchy eczematous lesions at the face, lower arms and hands. All of them reported on a work‐relationship with recoveries during holidays and sick‐leaves. This prompted the responsible occupational physician to contact our occupational dermatological clinic for further examination. First, we got an overview of the chemicals and pathways used for the production of the highly specialized plastic products. After working place examination, extended medical histories of the employees were taken. All affected workers were patch tested with the European Standard series, epoxy resins, preservatives and own working materials. After an occlusion time of 48 hours, skin tests were read at day 2 and 4 according to the ICDRG guidelines. Examination of the plant revealed that all affected workers were employed at the blending unit where, in particular dusty, ingredients were mixed. Few months prior to the development of skin problems, 2‐n‐octyl‐4‐isothiazolin‐3‐one (OIT) preservative had been introduced in the production pathway in partial exchange for chloro/methylisothiazolin‐3‐one (CIT/MIT). Personal protection measures were rarely provided. All 4 tested workers were found patch test positive to CIT/MIT, 3/3 positive to OIT and 1/3 positive to 1,2‐benzisothiazoloin‐3‐one (BIT) and methyldibromoglutaronitril. Industrial usage of preservatives can result in frequent sensitisation of exposed employees. Adequate protection and prevention advices are required. This study highlights the need for extended (occupational) medical histories and working place examination to identify individual risk factors and to trace potential hazards at the working place.