Contact allergy to an epoxy reactive diluent: 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether.
3 female workers in a brush factory developed contact allergy from a 2-component epoxy glue containing epoxy resin (37% w/w), reactive diluents: i.e., 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDDGE) 3%, glycidyl ethers of aliphatic alcohols (Epoxide 8) 0.03% and phenyl glycidyl ether (PGE) 0.01%; and inert fillers. All 3 patients were positive to the resin component of the glue and to BDDGE, indicating that BDDGE was the main allergen. 2 of the patients reacted to PGE, but none to the 3rd reactive diluent (Epoxide 8) in the glue. 2 of the patients did not react to epoxy resin, indicating that BDDGE may be an even stronger sensitizer in humans than epoxy resin, and that it does not cross-react with epoxy resins. Permeation studies revealed that BDDGE penetrates disposable PVC and rubber gloves in less than 30 min; thus, contaminated gloves should be replaced immediately. Reactive diluents should be included in patch test series if contact allergy to epoxy products is suspected.
D000328:Adult; D002072:Butylene Glycols / Q000506:poisoning*; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D010328:Patch Tests; D010539:Permeability; D011481:Protective Clothing
D002072:Butylene Glycols; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; C014376:1,4-bis(2,3-epoxypropoxy)butane