Patch testing with components of water-based metalworking fluids: results of a multicentre study with a second series.
BACKGROUND
Although many allergens in metalworking fluids (MWF) are identified, there are still some MWF components, which are not sufficiently investigated concerning their sensitizing properties.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate sensitization to 10 frequently used MWF components, which are not part of the established MWF test series, in metalworkers with suspected occupational dermatitis due to MWF.


METHODS
Oleyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, dimethylolurea, 4,4'-methylenebis morpholine, imazalil, 1-amino-2-propanol (monoisopropanolamine; MIPA), 2-amino-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol (AEPD), 2,5-bis(n-octyldithio)-1,3,4-thiadiazole, zinc alkyl dithiophosphate and dibenzyl disulfide have been patch tested in 144 patients.


RESULTS
7 patients reacted positively to the formaldehyde releaser 4,4'-methylenebis morpholine, and 6 of these patients also reacted to formaldehyde and/or other formaldehyde releasers. 4 patients reacted positively to myristyl alcohol tested at 10% petrolatum (pet.). Additionally, 20 doubtful or irritant reactions occurred. 1 patient each reacted positively to oleyl alcohol, MIPA, and AEPD. None of the other test substances mentioned above elicited any clear-cut positive reaction. Patch testing with well-known MWF allergens showed proportions of positive reactions, which were comparable to those from other studies, e.g. 11% to monoethanolamine, 8% to colophonium and 3%-5% to various preservatives.


CONCLUSIONS
4,4'-methylenebis morpholine may be an important MWF allergen, although clinical relevance could not be stated definitely in every case. Myristyl alcohol should not be patch tested at 10% pet., but at a lesser concentration, due to irritant properties.
Geier
Johannes
J
Information Network of Department of Dermatology (IVDK), University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany. jgeier@ivdk.org
Lessmann
Holger
H
Becker
Detlef
D
Bruze
Magnus
M
Frosch
Peter J
PJ
Fuchs
Thomas
T
Jappe
Uta
U
Koch
Patrick
P
Pföhler
Claudia
C
Skudlik
Christoph
C
D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008669:Metallurgy; D008875:Middle Aged; D010328:Patch Tests / Q000592:standards*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D014867:Water
D000485:Allergens; D014867:Water