Risk of contact allergy and dermatitis at a wind turbine plant using epoxy resin-based plastics.
OBJECTIVE
To identify workplace and individual risk factors for occupational contact allergy and dermatitis.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study was carried out at an international company producing wind turbine systems in Denmark. A cohort of 724 production workers at four facilities was highly exposed to epoxy resin as well as other chemicals. A screening questionnaire (participation rate 84.7%) was followed by an interview by an occupational physician and a dermatological examination, including patch testing, for a comprehensive list of potential workplace sensitizers.


RESULTS
Clinically diagnosed dermatitis was found among 214 workers (35.8%) and contact allergy to materials used in the workplace was found in 66 workers (10.9% of the total population and 20.3% of those who underwent patch testing). Of the 66 workers with a work-related allergy, 40 (60.6%) were allergic to epoxy compounds, 25 (37.9%) to hardeners and ten (15.2%) to other workplace materials, where one person showed an allergy only to these materials. Experiencing contact allergy was related to older age and longer employment in the workplace-however, neither of these risk factors was significant. The main risk factor for current dermatitis was contact allergy to materials used in the workplace, determined by patch testing, OR=5.4 (95% CI 3.9-9.9). Fewer days of absence from work was also related to current dermatitis, OR=2.0 (95% CI 1.2-3.5).


CONCLUSIONS
In a cohort of workers with extensive exposure to chemicals related to epoxy-resin systems, contact dermatitis and allergy was prevalent. Older age and longer duration of employment at the workplace were individual risk factors for allergy to workplace materials, whilst work-related allergies and longer duration of employment at the workplace were significant risk factors for current dermatitis.
Rasmussen
K
K
Department of Occupational Medicine, Herning Hospital, 7400, Herning, Denmark. heckra@ringamt.dk
Carstensen
O
O
Pontén
A
A
Gruvberger
B
B
Isaksson
M
M
Bruze
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003718:Denmark; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000209:etiology*; D004853:Epoxy Resins / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D018570:Risk Assessment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D004853:Epoxy Resins
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