Abstract

High prevalences of sensitization and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) have been reported among workers exposed to epoxy resin systems (ERS). Yet little is known about the risk when using up-to-date skin protection. Occupational skin exposure is rarely monitored and skin exposure to ERS is often left unrecognized. The objective of this project is to analyze the risk of sensitization and ACD among workers handling ERS and to assess a novel approach to optimize the prevention of dermatitis and sensitization by fluorescence visualization of exposure.

Skin exposure will be visualized by a fluorescent tracer added to the ERS. UVA-light will illuminate the skin and the fluorescent areas will be recorded by a computer vision system with a limit of detection of 1 × 1 mm. In cooperation with global manufacturers of wind turbines, we will randomize 350 lamination workers to either an intervention or a control group. The intervention group will be shown images of their UVA-exposed skin, while the control group will not. The intervention will take place daily in 4 time periods, each lasting a month, during the 2 year follow-up period. All participants will be patch tested at baseline and at the end of follow-up with a tailored patch-test series containing 11 different products including epoxy resins and hardeners, in total comprising 30 potentially sensitizing compounds, that the workers handle. Participants are screened for dermatitis at start and at end of follow-up or end of employment. We will analyze the risk of sensitization, dermatitis and the risk of developing dermatitis when sensitized. We will also assess determinants for ERS exposure including working tasks and procedures. The potency of resins and hardeners to elicit contact allergy will be highlighted, as well as the frequency of concomitant contact allergies to different ERS compounds.