Disproportionated rosin dehydroabietic acid in neoprene surgical gloves.
BACKGROUND
Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a well-recognized immune-mediated disease often associated with the use of vulcanization accelerator-containing latex and nitrile gloves. Potential contact allergens in neoprene (polychloroisoprene, polychloroprene) gloves have not been reported.


OBJECTIVE
The objective was to analyze extracts of neoprene surgical and examination gloves for potential contact allergens.


METHODS
Four different brands of neoprene-type gloves were purchased, and dichloromethane extracts were derivatized and assayed by gas chromatographic mass spectrometry. A latex surgical glove was used as a negative control.


RESULTS
Chemical species consistent with the composition of disproportionated rosin (dehydroabietic acid [DHA], didehydroabietic acid, and other pimaric or isopimaric species) were identified in dichloromethane extracts of neoprene gloves. Levels of DHA, a type IV prohapten that can be air oxidized to an active allergen, ranged from 7 to 31 mg/g of glove. A leaching study of DHA was conducted, and small amounts of DHA leached from the glove materials into artificial sweat. DHA oxidation products were not observed in any of the gloves assayed.


CONCLUSIONS
DHA exposure may occur from neoprene-type glove use, although a potential association with glove ACD has not been established.
Siegel
Paul D
PD
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)/National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Morgantown, WV, USA.
Law
Brandon F
BF
Fowler
Joseph F
JF
Fowler
Lynn M
LM
D045784:Abietanes / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000209:etiology*; D005932:Gloves, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D009387:Neoprene / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry*; D012116:Resins, Plant / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D013542:Sweat
D045784:Abietanes; D000485:Allergens; D012116:Resins, Plant; C013913:dehydroabietic acid; C013893:rosin; D009387:Neoprene