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Allergic contact dermatitis from bisphenol A in PVC gloves
Kristiina Aalto-Korte1, Kristiina Alanko, MaJ-Len Henriks-Eckerman
1Section of Dermatology, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Turku, Finland. kritiina.aalto-korte@ttl.fi
Contact Dermatitis
|March 5, 2004
Summary
Bisphenol A (BPA) in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) gloves can cause allergic reactions. While BPA use in medical PVC gloves has decreased, it remains a potential allergen in various PVC products.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Materials Science
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Bisphenol A (BPA) is utilized as an antioxidant and polymerization inhibitor in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics.
- Contact allergies to BPA in PVC gloves have been documented since 1998.
Observation:
- Four cases of contact allergy linked to BPA in PVC gloves were investigated.
- Specific instances involved a food industry packer, a dentist, an oral hygienist apprentice, and a cabin servant using PVC gloves with varying BPA concentrations (0.044% to 0.12%).
- Reactions to p-tertiary butyl catechol, another PVC additive, were noted but not definitively linked to glove use.
Findings:
- Analysis of 16 brands of disposable medical PVC gloves in Finland revealed minimal BPA in one brand and no detectable p-tertiary butyl catechol.
- Manufacturers appear to be reducing BPA usage in disposable medical-grade PVC gloves.
Implications:
- Bisphenol A should be considered a potential contact allergen in PVC products, particularly gloves.
- Ongoing vigilance is necessary to identify and mitigate risks associated with chemical additives in consumer and medical products.