Contact allergy to epoxy (meth)acrylates.
BACKGROUND
Contact allergy to epoxy (meth)acrylates, 2,2-bis[4-(2-hydroxy-3-methacryloxypropoxy) phenyl]propane (bis-GMA), 2,2-bis[4-(2-hydroxy-3-acryloxypropoxy)phenyl]-propane (bis-GA), 2,2-bis[4-(methacryl-oxyethoxy)phenyl] propane (bis-EMA), 2,2-bis[4-(methacryloxy)phenyl]-propane (bis-MA), and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) is often manifested together with contact allergy to diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) epoxy resin.


OBJECTIVE
To analyse patterns of concomitant allergic reactions to the five epoxy (meth)acrylates in relation to exposure.


METHODS
We reviewed the 1994-2008 patch test files at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH) for reactions to the five epoxy (meth)acrylates, and examined the patients' medical records for exposure.


RESULTS
Twenty-four patients had an allergic reaction to at least one of the studied epoxy (meth)acrylates, but specific exposure was found only in five patients: two bis-GMA allergies from dental products, two bis-GA allergies from UV-curable printing inks, and one bis-GA allergy from an anaerobic glue. Only 25% of the patients were negative to DGEBA epoxy resin.


CONCLUSIONS
The great majority of allergic patch test reactions to bis-GMA, bis-GA, GMA and bis-EMA were not associated with specific exposure, and cross-allergy to DGEBA epoxy resin remained a probable explanation. However, independent reactions to bis-GA indicated specific exposure. Anaerobic sealants may induce sensitization not only to aliphatic (meth)acrylates but also to aromatic bis-GA.
Aalto-Korte
Kristiina
K
Control of Hypersensitivity Diseases, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland. kristiina.aalto-korte@ttl.fi
Jungewelter
Soile
S
Henriks-Eckerman
Maj-Len
ML
Kuuliala
Outi
O
Jolanki
Riitta
R
D000179:Acrylates; D000328:Adult; D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D017438:Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D004852:Epoxy Compounds; D004853:Epoxy Resins / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005387:Finland / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008689:Methacrylates / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009790:Occupations; D010328:Patch Tests; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D000098826:Bisphenol A Compounds
D000179:Acrylates; D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D017438:Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate; D004852:Epoxy Compounds; D004853:Epoxy Resins; D008689:Methacrylates; C534778:2,2-bis(4-(2-hydroxy-3-acryloxypropoxy)phenyl)propane; C041979:2,2-bis-(4-(2-methacryloxyethoxy)phenyl)propane; C029420:bisphenol A epoxy resin diacrylate ester; D000098826:Bisphenol A Compounds; C007870:glycidyl methacrylate