Allergic contact dermatitis from a paper mill slimicide containing 2-bromo-4'-hydroxyacetophenone

Area of Science:

• Occupational Dermatology
• Industrial Hygiene
• Toxicology

Background:

• Slimicides are crucial biocidal agents in paper manufacturing, preventing microbial contamination.
• A paper mill laboratory technician experienced recurrent dermatitis linked to Busan 1130 exposure.
• Previous literature lacked documented cases of allergic reactions to Busan 1130.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first case of allergic contact dermatitis attributed to the slimicide Busan 1130.
• To identify the specific causative agent within Busan 1130 responsible for the allergic reaction.
• To confirm the diagnosis through diagnostic patch testing.

Main Methods:

• Diagnostic patch testing was conducted on the affected laboratory technician.
• Tests involved solutions of Busan 1130 and its active ingredient, 2-bromo-4 omino-4 omino-hydroxyacetophenone (BHAP).
• Twenty-five healthy controls were also patch tested for comparison.

Main Results:

• The patient exhibited a significant allergic reaction (++) to 0.1% Busan 1130 aqueous solution.
• A positive reaction was also observed with 0.01% BHAP in ethanol.
• All control subjects showed negative results, indicating specificity of the reaction.

Conclusions:

• The patient was diagnosed with allergic contact dermatitis due to exposure to BHAP in Busan 1130.
• BHAP is identified as the primary allergen responsible for the slimicide-induced dermatitis.
• This case highlights the importance of identifying specific allergens in industrial biocides for occupational health management.