Occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by colophonium

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Occupational Health
• Allergology

Background:

• Colophonium (rosin) is a frequent contact allergen found in both household and occupational environments.
• Occupational exposure to colophonium can lead to allergic contact dermatitis, impacting various industries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify common occupational sources of colophonium exposure.
• To determine which occupations are at higher risk for developing colophonium allergy.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of safety data sheets (SDSs) in assessing colophonium exposure.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of patch test data from 2002-2017 at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.
• Analysis of patch test results, occupation, and exposure details for 39 patients diagnosed with occupational allergic contact dermatitis (OACD) due to colophonium.
• Inclusion of patients tested for colophonium and abietic acid allergies.

Main Results:

• 4.6% of patients evaluated for occupational dermatitis showed positive reactions to colophonium.
• High-risk occupations included the wood industry, machining, soldering, and agriculture.
• Primary exposure sources were coniferous wood, wood-derived materials, glues, metalworking fluids, and soldering materials; SDSs were often inadequate or missing.

Conclusions:

• Occupational allergic contact dermatitis (OACD) from colophonium is prevalent across diverse occupations.
• Safety data sheets (SDSs) offer insufficient data for accurate colophonium exposure assessment.
• Utilizing patients' own materials for patch testing proved valuable for diagnosis.