title: Occupational sensitization to epoxy resins in Northeastern Italy (1996-2010).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  One of the main health concerns of epoxy resins is their role as skin sensitizer. This sensitization is not uncommon, because the prevalence ranges around 1-12% of the general population.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Perform a cross sectional study in a patch test population from Northeastern Italy to investigate the prevalence of epoxy resins sensitization among patients with suspected contact dermatitis. Subsequently, relate findings to patients' occupation and evaluate time trend of prevalence.
  
  
  METHODS
  The final study database included 19 088 consecutive patients, tested from 1996 to 2010 in Northeastern Italy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The overall prevalence of epoxy resins sensitization was 0·89%. Dermatitis most frequently involved hands (40·25%). In both sexes, we find a significant correlation in mechanics, woodworkers, and chemical industry workers; and in males only, among farmers and fishers, construction workers, and unemployed. We found significant increase of sensitization in construction workers in the analyzed period.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The overall prevalence of sensitization to epoxy resins in Northeastern Italy is in line with other European countries, but we found an increased risk of sensitization in some professions and an increasing trend of prevalence in construction workers. Better preventive actions are strongly advised in higher risk professions, with particular attentions towards building sector.
authors: Andrea
authors: A
authors: Prodi
authors: Francesca
authors: F
authors: Rui
authors: Anna Belloni
authors: AB
authors: Fortina
authors: Maria Teresa
authors: MT
authors: Corradin
authors: Francesca Larese
authors: FL
authors: Filon
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D004853:Epoxy Resins / Q000633:toxicity*; D005260:Female; D005843:Geography; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010328:Patch Tests; D015995:Prevalence; D012621:Seasons; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D004853:Epoxy Resins
keywords: Allergic contact dermatitis,; Epidemiology; Epoxy resins,; Patch test,
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