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Polyamine sensitization in offshore workers handling drilling muds.
A D Ormerod1, R A Wakeel, T A Mann
1Dermatology Department, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill, UK.
Contact Dermatitis
|November 1, 1989
Summary
Allergic reactions to oil-based drilling muds are linked to polyamine sensitivity. Patch testing identified diethylenetriamine and triethylenetetramine as common allergens in patients with drilling mud allergy.
Area of Science:
- Occupational dermatology
- Chemical toxicology
- Environmental health
Background:
- Oil-based muds (OBMs) are essential in offshore drilling.
- OBMs contain amines in emulsifiers and can cause skin irritation and allergic contact dermatitis.
- Identifying specific allergens in OBMs is crucial for managing occupational health risks.
Observation:
- Patch testing was performed on patients with suspected allergy to drilling mud.
- Five patients demonstrated sensitivity to specific polyamines: diethylenetriamine and triethylenetetramine.
- Allergic patients were also sensitive to OBM emulsifiers, which are cross-linked fatty acid amido-amines.
Findings:
- Specific polyamines, diethylenetriamine and triethylenetetramine, were identified as allergens in OBMs.
- Unreacted amine groups in emulsifiers are implicated in cross-sensitization with these polyamines.
- Cross-reactivity was observed between ethylenediamine, diethylenetetramine, and triethylenetetramine in nine subjects.
Implications:
- This study highlights the role of specific polyamines in OBM-induced allergic contact dermatitis.
- Understanding these sensitivities can inform the development of safer drilling fluid formulations.
- Improved diagnostic strategies and preventative measures can be implemented for workers exposed to OBMs.