Occupational dermatoses among fibreglass‐reinforced plastics factory workers

Abstract

Fibreglass-reinforced plastics (FRP) factory workers are at high risk of developing occupational dermatoses because of their exposure to many chemicals used in the manufacture of plastics as well as to glass fibre or dust. Patch tests were carried out on 29 workers involved in FRP manufacturing processes where unsaturated polyester (UP) resin was used, to investigate the causes of their skin problems. Of the 22 workers who reported experiencing skin problems, 16 showed positive results to at least 1 chemical, including 6 cases of multiple sensitivity. 2 showed positive reactions to UP base resin, 6 to cobalt chloride, 5 to benzoyl peroxide (BPO), 4 to methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKPO), 2 to para-tertiary butyl catechol (PTBC), 1 to styrene and 1 to formaldehyde. After taking into account their exposures and reported causes by questionnaires and their patch test results, 7 cases were diagnosed as allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) due to chemicals, 3 as irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) due to chemicals, and 3 as dermatitis due to mechanical irritation (MI) from glass fibre or dust, as well as 9 as ACD and/or MI. 18 of the total of 29 subjects (62.1%), including 2 workers without a history of skin problems, were sensitized to at least 1 chemical. Cobalt, peroxides, PTBC and UP base resin were the common causes of ACD.

In-depth study: an occupational exposure assessment of styrene and noise in the fiber-reinforced plastic boat manufacturing industry at Island Packet Yachts (IPY) Largo, Florida.

“…Exposure may also damage peripheral nerves and cause changes to the kidneys and blood. Numerous studies have shown that styrene exposures were linked to central and peripheral neurologic, 3,4,5 optic, 6,7 and irritant 8 effects when occupational exposures to styrene vapors in air were measured at concentrations greater than 50 parts per million (ppm). There is also evidence concerning the influence of occupational styrene exposure on sensory nerve conduction indicating that: (1) 5% to 10% reductions can occur after exposure at 100 ppm or more; (2) reduced peripheral nerve conduction velocity and sensory amplitude can occur after styrene exposure at 50 to 100 ppm; (3) slowed reaction time appears to begin after exposures as low as 50 ppm; and, (4) statistically significant loss of color discrimination (dyschromatopsia) may occur.…”

In-depth study: a re-evaluation of styrene and noise exposures in the fiberglass-reinforced plastic boat manufacturing industry at Island Packet Yachts (IPY), Largo, Florida.

“…Exposure may also damage peripheral nerves and cause changes to the kidneys and blood. Numerous studies have shown that styrene exposures were linked to central and peripheral neurologic, 4, , 5 6 optic, 7,8 and irritant 9 effects when occupational exposures to styrene vapors in air were measured at concentrations greater than 50 parts per million (ppm). There is also evidence concerning the influence of occupational styrene exposure on sensory nerve conduction indicating that: (1) 5% to 10% reductions can occur after exposure at 100 ppm or more; (2) reduced peripheral nerve conduction velocity and sensory amplitude can occur after styrene exposure at 50 to 100 ppm; (3) slowed reaction time appears to begin after exposures as low as 50 ppm; and, (4) statistically significant loss of color discrimination (dyschromatopsia) may occur.…”

Health hazard evaluation report: HETA #2001-0326-2999, Dixie Cultured Marble, Birmingham, Alabama.

“…Another study of occupational dermatoses among fiberglassreinforced plastics factory workers asserted that these workers are at high risk of developing occupational dermatoses because of their exposure to many chemicals used in the manufacture of plastics as well as to fiberglass or dust. 15 Some of these chemicals are UP base resin, cobalt chloride, benzoyl peroxide, methyl ethyl ketone peroxide, para-tertiary butyl catechol, styrene, and formaldehyde. Of the 29 workers in the study who underwent patch testing for the chemicals listed above, 62.1% were sensitized to at least one chemical.…”

“…Of the 29 workers in the study who underwent patch testing for the chemicals listed above, 62.1% were sensitized to at least one chemical. 15 Based on the results of the survey at DCM, skin irritation experienced by workers is likely caused by chemical exposure as well as fiberglass or dust. In any case, direct exposure to fiberglass and chemicals should be avoided.…”