Sensitivity to epoxy resins and triethylenetetramine

The present studies concerned 31 work sites in eight factories at which 422 persons were employed. In the course of seven years there were 126 cases of dermatitis, 99 of whom were patch-tested. Positive reactions to epoxy resin and/or to triethylenetetramine were found in 65.7% of the subjects. The aetiology of the other cases is discussed. Some of the patients who were positive to epoxy resin were tested with Bisphenol A and modified resins with blocked epoxy groups. The latency period of dermatitis and the localization were recorded, as well as the influence of the season and of certain working conditions on the occurrence of sensitization. Of the 80 patients who changed their occupation, there were relapses in 50 within one year. Relapses were more frequent in persons who continued to work with epoxy resins for more than three months after the appearance of dermatitis and in those simultaneously sensitive to allergens in the standard series.