Search

SummaryBackground Contact urticaria (CU) and protein contact dermatitis (PCD) are mainly induced by an immediate, IgE-mediated immunological mechanism. Immediate sensitization is also linked to asthma and/or allergic rhinitis. Objectives To report causes of work-induced CU and PCD, and to evaluate the occurrence of concomitant airway diseases. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the patient files of cases diagnosed with CU or PCD at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health during 1995–2011. We obtained data on occupation, exposures, clinical and immunological test results, and diagnosed occupational skin and respiratory diseases. Results Altogether, 291 cases of occupational CU or PCD were diagnosed during the study period. The most common causes were flour, cow dander, natural rubber latex and acid anhydrides. Concomitant occupational asthma caused by the same agent as the skin disease was detected in 60 patients (21%), and occupational rhinitis was detected in 111 patients (38%). Conclusions Almost half of the patients (46%) with occupational CU and PCD had concomitant occupational airway disease. Patients with CU/PCD should always be asked about respiratory symptoms, and preventive measures at the workplace should include protection of both the skin and the airways.

SummaryBackground Amines in epoxy hardeners are significant causes of occupational allergic contact dermatitis among workers who use epoxy resin systems. Objectives To describe a novel group of contact allergens: N-(2-phenylethyl) derivatives of the reactive amine 1,3-benzenedimethanamine (1,3-BDMA). Methods We describe the clinical examinations and exposure of 6 patients with occupational contact allergy to derivatives of 1,3-BDMA. Results Of the 6 patients, 4 were spray painters who used epoxy paints, 1 was a floor layer who handled a variety of epoxy coatings, and 1 was a worker in epoxy hardener manufacture. We were able to confirm exposure to epoxy hardeners that contained derivatives of 1,3-BDMA in 5 of the 6 sensitized patients. Despite the close structural resemblance between derivatives of 1,3-BDMA and m-xylylenediamine (MXDA), only 3 patients reacted positively to MXDA. Concomitant contact allergy to diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A resin was seen in 2 of the 6 patients. Conclusions Because of the lack of a commercially available patch test substance, the diagnosis of contact allergy to derivatives of 1,3-BDMA requires patch testing with either the epoxy hardener product or a hardener ingredient that contains the derivatives of 1,3-BDMA.

Summary Background Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI)/methylisothiazolinone (MI) and MI are common preservatives in industrial and household products and in cosmetics. Occupational contact allergy to MCI/MI or MI has been reported among painters and paint factory workers in particular. Objectives To retrospectively describe patients with occupational contact allergy to MCI/MI and MI at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH). Methods Patch test files and clinical records of patients examined at the FIOH between January 2002 and February 2013 were reviewed to identify the patients. Results Seventy-two of 1745 patients showed positive reactions to MCI/MI and/or MI. Of these, 36 were occupational cases, and 31 were diagnosed during the second half of the study period. Hairdressers and beauticians, mechanics and repairmen, and machinists were the most significant occupational groups, followed by painters and paint factory workers, and cafe and restaurant workers. Conclusions We observed a sixfold increase in the number of occupational cases in the second half of the study period as compared with the first half. Liquid soaps and industrial hand cleansers were common sources of exposure to MCI/MI or MI. A total of 33% of the patients used products without any mention of MCI/MI or MI in safety data sheets or product declarations.

Widespread belief from developing countries is the implementation of Specific Inhalation Challenge Tests (SICTs)are not quite feasible and can be risky in lower healthcare facilities. The work of setting up a SICTs-Lab started with scientific support of EgeTPAG-Advisory Board Members from FIOH in 2014.A multidisciplinary structure was constituted by Pulmonary/Allergy-immunology/PublicHealth/ Chemisty/Biology to implement of methodology. With Turkey’s first Occupational Fellowship Program, SICTs were officially started in spring 2016. Now, in spring 2017 we are presenting our first year’s very recent data. Among 41 patients who were referred to us, five patients (%12.19) diagnosed as OA with support of SICTs. Two painters, two bakers, one carpenter had work-related dyspnea and history of wheezing during worktimes and common shared features of them were having inconsistent asthma findings. Following negative placebo challenge tests, patients were exposed to their culprit agent in a specifically manufactured challenge cabin in Izmir, as faithful the original one in Helsinki. Ambient levels of particulate matter concentrations in the cabin were continuously monitored and kept under permitted exposure limits.FEV 1 &PEF monitoring kept continue for 8-hours after SICT and the data recorded to OASYS computer program. In the first year of their establishment SICTs have been very helpful either exclude or confirmation of diagnosis of OA. Unlike the common belief of those who hesitate to apply them, they were very safe and economically reasonable. The implementation to a developing country was not easy, but possible with right team and scientific support.

Keywords: aminoethylethanolamine; amphoacetates; disodium cocoamphodipropionate; occupational dermatitis; sodium cocoamphoacetate; sodium lauroamphoacetate; surfactant

Amines in epoxy hardeners are significant causes of occupational allergic contact dermatitis among workers who use epoxy resin systems.To describe a novel group of contact allergens: N-(2-phenylethyl) derivatives of the reactive amine 1,3-benzenedimethanamine (1,3-BDMA).We describe the clinical examinations and exposure of 6 patients with occupational contact allergy to derivatives of 1,3-BDMA.Of the 6 patients, 4 were spray painters who used epoxy paints, 1 was a floor layer who handled a variety of epoxy coatings, and 1 was a worker in epoxy hardener manufacture. We were able to confirm exposure to epoxy hardeners that contained derivatives of 1,3-BDMA in 5 of the 6 sensitized patients. Despite the close structural resemblance between derivatives of 1,3-BDMA and m-xylylenediamine (MXDA), only 3 patients reacted positively to MXDA. Concomitant contact allergy to diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A resin was seen in 2 of the 6 patients.Because of the lack of a commercially available patch test substance, the diagnosis of contact allergy to derivatives of 1,3-BDMA requires patch testing with either the epoxy hardener product or a hardener ingredient that contains the derivatives of 1,3-BDMA.