Contact allergy to epoxy resins

Abstract

Sensitivity to epoxy resins is a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis which often occurs during work with uncured epoxies. Hardened epoxy resins loose their irritant and allergic potential. Contact allergy may appear to epoxy resins, hardeners and other substances of epoxy systems. The most affected professions are lacquerers, floor workers and workers in electronic industry. A typical case of professional contact dermatitis to epoxy resins in pacient who worked as lacquerer with epoxy paints is reported. The patient presented with eczema eczema on the face and on the forearms. The contact allergy to epoxy – resin Bisphenol A which is included in European Standard Series of Patch Test Allergens, was proved by patch testing. After elimination of contact with epoxy resins the contact allergy symptoms gradually disappeared.