Occupational asthma caused by sculptured nails containing methacrylates.
BACKGROUND
In recent decades, the use of artificial nails including methacrylates (MAs) has increased. This study presents the first two clinical cases of occupational asthma (OA) caused by sculptured nails containing MAs.


METHODS
In both cases, OA was diagnosed on the basis of a work simulation test combined with the patient's history of occupational exposure and respiratory symptoms.


RESULTS
Both patients developed work-related respiratory symptoms 4-5 years before the current examinations. Previously, the first patient (a 30-year-old female) was diagnosed as having allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to MAs; the second patient (a 27-year-old female) had no skin symptoms. In both cases, a dual asthmatic reaction was observed in the bronchial provocation test, in which the patients simulated their work using their own products including MAs.


CONCLUSIONS
Sculptured nails containing MAs can induce OA in nail technicians. Products not containing MAs should be used to prevent OA and ACD. If MAs are used, they should be handled with appropriate safety measures.
Sauni
Riitta
R
Team of Occupational Medicine, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland.
Kauppi
Paula
P
Alanko
Kristiina
K
Henriks-Eckerman
Maj-Len
ML
Tuppurainen
Matti
M
Hannu
Timo
T
D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D001505:Beauty Culture; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008689:Methacrylates / Q000633:toxicity*; D009262:Nails; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D010328:Patch Tests; D018570:Risk Assessment
D008689:Methacrylates