[Occupationally-induced allergic and photoallergic reactions to epoxide resins in railroad employees]

Medical examinations were performed on 74 inductive oil wiring workers in contact with synthetic resins. 22 persons from a control group were examined. In the history, frequent complaints about the skin and mucous membranes were obtained, and clinically, moderate skin changes were observed in 9 individuals. These manifestations took the form of erythema and papules, appearing mainly on the uncovered parts of the body during the hot resin's hardening. In some of the workers, positive epicutaneous patch tests with cadmium, cobalt and epidian-3 and -5 were observed. Additional positive reactions were obtained via photo-patch tests with resins and solvents, indicating their photo-allergenic properties in some conditions.