Bronopol contact dermatitis in a milk recorder

Contact dermatitis to bronopol has been identified in a milk recorder with hand eczema. Milk recorders are contracted by the Milk Marketing Board to sample up to eight dairy herds for quality control checks. Samples are drawn at milking using a dipper with a hole 4 cm from the bottom, which allows a stream of milk to be collected into a small transparent sample pot, usually held between thumb and forefinger. The lid is sealed by pressure from the thumb. Since 1982, the sample pots provided by the Milk Marketing Board have contained bronopol (2‐bromo‐2‐nitropropane‐1, 3‐diol) as an antimicrobial preservative, kathon CG (5‐chloro‐2‐ methyl‐4‐isothiazolin‐3‐1) as an antifungal agent, cupric nitrate and a blue dye, sprayed in a dry film on to the internal surface. Accidental exposure to the preservative milk solution is relatively common in the high‐speed, wet and draughty conditions of the milking parlour. Storrs and Bell (1983) have highlighted the dangers of sensitization from cosmetic products which contain bronopol. It is very likely that milk recorders, working with bronopol preservatives, are also at risk of allergic sensitization if they do not wear adequate protective clothing and gloves.