Exposure-response relationships in the formation of specific antibodies to hexahydrophthalic anhydride in exposed workers.
OBJECTIVE
Exposure-response relationships in the formation of specific antibodies to hexahydrophthalic anhydride (HHPA) was studied in exposed workers.


METHODS
The relation between exposure to HHPA and the levels of specific immunoglobin E [(radioallergosorbent test (RAST)] and immunoglobin G (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) antibodies was investigated in a cross-sectional study on 95 workers from two plants using epoxy resin with HHPA as a hardener; the mean time of exposure was 7 (range 0.1-25) years.


RESULTS
The specific immunoglobin E and immunoglobin G was significantly increased in exposed workers when they were compared with unexposed workers or external referents. There was no significant difference in the number of RAST positives [N = 23 (24%)] between the groups of workers exposed to < 10 micrograms.m-3, 10--< 50 micrograms.m-3, or > or = 50 micrograms.m-3. No effects were found of atopy or smoking habits on the prevalence of RAST positives. Five out of seven workers positive for immunoglobulin E in the group with the lowest exposures reported frequent short-time (minutes per day) exposures exceeding 50 micrograms.m-3. A correlation was seen between specific immunoglobulin E and G antibodies (rs = 0.5).


CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate that HHPA is a sensitizing compound even at low exposure levels and that short-time peak exposures may have an impact on immunoglobulin E sensitization.
Welinder
H E
HE
Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
Jönsson
B A
BA
Nielsen
J E
JE
Ottosson
H E
HE
Gustavsson
C A
CA
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004853:Epoxy Resins / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000276:immunology; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000032:analysis*; D010796:Phthalic Anhydrides / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D011852:Radioallergosorbent Test
D004853:Epoxy Resins; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D010796:Phthalic Anhydrides; C005752:araldite; D007073:Immunoglobulin E