Epoxy pipe relining - an emerging contact allergy risk for workers

Epoxy pipe relining is a method of repairing old and worn water pipes supplying households. The method, using epoxy resin systems (ERSs), involves creating a new pipe inside an existing pipe. Large amounts of epoxy are normally handled at small, temporary worksites.

To describe working conditions and contact allergies to ERSs in 8 patients with occupational contact dermatitis related to their work in the relining trade.

Eight patients with suspected work-related eczema in the relining trade were referred to our Occupational and Environmental Dermatology outpatient unit. They were examined and patch-tested between August 2010 and May 2011.

Seven patients were patch test-positive to ERSs, and 6 of 8 reacted to the epoxy resin (MW 340) in the baseline series. Five of the patients were patch test-positive to their own work products. Seven of the cases had to leave the relining trade because of skin problems.

Relining is a widely used alternative to replacing old pipes, and entails a risk of massive skin exposure to ERSs and consequently a high risk of developing allergic contact dermatitis. Further mapping of working methods and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial to reduce hazardous skin exposure.