title: Non-occupational contact sensitization to epoxy resin of bisphenol A among general dermatology patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Sensitization to epoxy resins often results from occupational exposure in various fields of construction and industry. Non-occupational sensitization sources and environments have remained overlooked.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To analyse non-occupational and occupational contact sensitization to epoxy resin of bisphenol A among general dermatology patients. Special attention was paid to patients sensitized from non-occupational sources.
  
  
  METHODS
  During a 10-year period, 6042 general dermatology patients were patch tested with epoxy resin (bisphenol A) in the Dermatology Clinic of Turku University Hospital. The clinical data and the sources of occupational and non-occupational exposure to epoxy resin were analysed in sensitized patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Epoxy resin sensitization was found in 59 patients. Non-occupational sensitization was found in 21 (35%) patients, whereas the number of occupational cases was 38 (65%). The most common sources of non-occupational epoxy resin sensitization were materials used in domestic renovation and construction projects and in boat repair.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Non-occupational sensitization sources account for approximately one-third of epoxy resin sensitization cases, and therefore represent an important risk among hobbies and leisure activities.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Turku University Hospital, 20521 Turku, Finland. susanna.majasuo@tyks.fi
authors.forename: Susanna
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Majasuo
authors.forename: Jussi
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Liippo
authors.forename: Kaija
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lammintausta
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000633:toxicity*; D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D004853:Epoxy Resins / Q000633:toxicity*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010328:Patch Tests; D010636:Phenols / Q000633:toxicity*; D055815:Young Adult; D000098826:Bisphenol A Compounds
chemical_list: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D004853:Epoxy Resins; D010636:Phenols; C006780:bisphenol A; D000098826:Bisphenol A Compounds