Prevalence of skin sensitization and dermatitis among epoxy-exposed workers in the wind turbine industry

Abstract

Summary Background A high prevalence of skin sensitization and dermatitis has been reported among workers exposed to epoxy components. Objectives To estimate the risk of skin sensitization and dermatitis among workers exposed to epoxy components during production of wind turbine blades while using comprehensive safety measures. Methods A cross‐sectional study of 180 highly epoxy‐exposed production workers and 41 nonexposed office workers was conducted at two wind turbine blade factories in Denmark. Participants underwent a skin examination, were tested with a tailored patch test panel including epoxy‐containing products used at the factories, and answered a questionnaire. Results Sixteen production workers (8·9%) were sensitized to an epoxy component compared with none of the office workers. Skin sensitization was more frequent within the first year of exposed employment. Strong selection bias by atopic status was indicated. Among nonatopic workers, the prevalence of dermatitis was higher among production workers (16·4%) than among office workers [6·5%, odds ratio (OR) 2·3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·6–9·1] and higher among the sensitized workers (43·8%) than the nonsensitized workers (14·6%, OR 4·5, 95% CI 1·6–12·7). Resins based on diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A and F were the most frequent sensitizers. One of the four workers sensitized to epoxy components used at the factories did not react to the epoxy resin of the TRUE test® panel. Conclusions Despite comprehensive skin protection, sensitization and dermatitis are prevalent among highly epoxy‐exposed workers in the wind turbine industry in Denmark. Our findings document the need for intensified preventive efforts and emphasize the importance of tailored patch testing. What is already known about this topic? Epoxy components are well‐known sensitizers of the skin. A high prevalence of skin sensitization and dermatitis has been reported among workers exposed to epoxy components. Comprehensive protective equipment is recommended when working with epoxy components. What does this study add? Despite comprehensive skin protection, skin sensitization and dermatitis are prevalent among epoxy‐exposed workers. We found that 40% of workers sensitized to epoxy products had dermatitis. Only 75% of the sensitized workers were detected by the epoxy resin of the TRUE test®, which emphasizes the importance of tailored testing.

Nature-Derived Epoxy Resin Monomers with Reduced Sensitizing Capacity─Isosorbide-Based Bis-Epoxides

“…In this context, the massive exposure to ERS leading to ACD in workers in the wind turbine industry is a prominent example where the replacement of current ERSs with new systems with less skin-sensitizing potency is urgent to reduce the risk of skin sensitization. 15,16 The negative impact of fossil fuels has also sparked an increased interest in renewable biobased starting materials for polymers. We have previously explored the possibility to use the plant lignan pinoresinol as a starting material for the production of less allergenic and nature-derived epoxy resin monomers.…”

“…The negative impact of fossil fuels on the environment has increased the interest in renewable energy sources. In this context, the massive exposure to ERS leading to ACD in workers in the wind turbine industry is a prominent example where the replacement of current ERSs with new systems with less skin-sensitizing potency is urgent to reduce the risk of skin sensitization. , …”

“…The prevalence of positive eczematic reactions to DGEBA ranges from 0.9 to 2.3% when the compound is tested in consecutive dermatitis patients referred to the clinics. − This places DGEBA on top of the most common contact allergens. In occupational settings, even higher prevalence of positive reactions to ERSs has been observed, sometimes as high as 10% or more. ,− Although well-established and highly prioritized health and safety policies have been introduced in the wind turbine industry during the last 20 years, still about 10% of the workers involved in the manufacturing processes are sensitized to ERSs. , Although the ERMs are considered the main sensitizers in ERSs, there are other components, such as diluents and hardeners, that also are reported to elicit allergic reactions. , The skin-sensitizing potency of DGEBA has been assessed in the murine local lymph node assay (LLNA) as well as in the guinea pig maximization test, and in both of these in vivo models, DGEBA was classified as a strong skin sensitizer . Thus, it is of great importance to develop ERMs with lower skin sensitization potential without losing the technical polymerization properties.…”

“…3 , 9 − 14 Although well-established and highly prioritized health and safety policies have been introduced in the wind turbine industry during the last 20 years, still about 10% of the workers involved in the manufacturing processes are sensitized to ERSs. 15 , 16 Although the ERMs are considered the main sensitizers in ERSs, there are other components, such as diluents and hardeners, that also are reported to elicit allergic reactions. 17 , 18 The skin-sensitizing potency of DGEBA has been assessed in the murine local lymph node assay (LLNA) 19 as well as in the guinea pig maximization test, 20 and in both of these in vivo models, DGEBA was classified as a strong skin sensitizer.…”

Sensitization to epoxy resin systems in the wind turbine industry: an undesirable side-effect of renewable energies

“…In this issue of the BJD , Christiansen et al 2 . present the results of a cross‐sectional study in 180 highly epoxy‐exposed workers from two wind turbine factories in Denmark and 41 nonexposed office workers.…”