Epoxy pipe relining - an emerging contact allergy risk for workers.

Area of Science:

• Occupational Dermatology
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Epoxy pipe relining repairs water pipes by creating a new pipe within an existing one using epoxy resin systems (ERSs).
• This process typically involves handling large volumes of epoxy at small, temporary worksites.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate working conditions and contact allergies to ERSs.
• To describe the occupational contact dermatitis experienced by 8 patients in the pipe relining trade.

Main Methods:

• Eight patients with suspected work-related eczema were referred to an Occupational and Environmental Dermatology unit.
• Patients underwent examination and patch testing between August 2010 and May 2011.

Main Results:

• Seven patients tested positive for ERSs; 6 reacted to epoxy resin (MW 340).
• Five patients were allergic to their specific work products.
• Seven patients had to leave the trade due to dermatitis.

Conclusions:

• Pipe relining with ERSs presents a high risk of skin exposure and allergic contact dermatitis.
• Understanding working methods and enhancing the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) are vital for reducing exposure.