title: Skin exposure to epoxy in the pipe relining trade - an observational study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Epoxy resin systems (ERSs) are frequent causes of occupational allergic contact dermatitis. Epoxy pipe relining has become a widely used alternative to replacing old and worn drain pipes in housing, and involves a high risk of skin exposure to ERSs.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To map out work methods, protective measures and skin and surface contamination among workers involved in epoxy pipe relining, as a basis for prevention of occupational skin disease.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-one employees in eight relining companies in Stockholm County were observed. Contact and contamination with ERSs and the use of personal protective equipment during relining work were noted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Contamination by uncured ERSs on gloves, personal and shared tools and work areas was identified during mixing, wetting, installation, and cleaning. The gloves used were often inadequate for handling ERSs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Relining pipes poses an extensive risk of uncured ERS exposure, and contamination was identified during the whole work process. Shared and personal tools and work areas were extensively contaminated. Changes in work routines and logistics for handling ERSs are essential, and knowledge among both employers and employees regarding the risks caused by ERS exposure is vital to create a safe work environment and prevent contact allergies.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden. ingegard.anveden.berglind@ki.se
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fillenham
authors.forename: Carola
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lidén
authors.forename: Ingegärd
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Anveden Berglind
mesh_terms: D060389:Construction Industry; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004430:Ear Protective Devices; D004853:Epoxy Resins / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017575:Gloves, Protective; D006801:Humans; D012134:Respiratory Protective Devices; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D004853:Epoxy Resins