title: Epoxy pipe relining - an emerging contact allergy risk for workers.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Epoxy pipe relining is a method of repairing old and worn water pipes supplying households. The method, using epoxy resin systems (ERSs), involves creating a new pipe inside an existing pipe. Large amounts of epoxy are normally handled at small, temporary worksites.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To describe working conditions and contact allergies to ERSs in 8 patients with occupational contact dermatitis related to their work in the relining trade.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight patients with suspected work-related eczema in the relining trade were referred to our Occupational and Environmental Dermatology outpatient unit. They were examined and patch-tested between August 2010 and May 2011.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seven patients were patch test-positive to ERSs, and 6 of 8 reacted to the epoxy resin (MW 340) in the baseline series. Five of the patients were patch test-positive to their own work products. Seven of the cases had to leave the relining trade because of skin problems.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Relining is a widely used alternative to replacing old pipes, and entails a risk of massive skin exposure to ERSs and consequently a high risk of developing allergic contact dermatitis. Further mapping of working methods and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial to reduce hazardous skin exposure.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden. ingegard.anveden.berglind@ki.se
authors.forename: Ingegärd
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Anveden Berglind
authors.forename: Marie-Louise
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Lind
authors.forename: Carola
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lidén
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D060389:Construction Industry; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D004853:Epoxy Resins / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017575:Gloves, Protective; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D004853:Epoxy Resins