Fungicide-induced contact dermatitis

Tetrachloroisophthalonitrile (TCPN) is an agricultural and horticultural fungicide used in many parts of the world. In Northern Europe it is also used as a wood preservative. The substance has well-known toxic properties through skin contact, and has recently been reported as inducing allergic contact dermatitis. We report an epidemic of contact dermatitis in a Norwegian wooden-ware factory, which we attribute to TCPN. 14 out of 20 workers had skin complaints which were work related. Half of these cases were shown to be of allergic origin. The toxic and allergic properties of TCPN render this compound unsuitable for use in the wooden-ware industry. A re-evaluation of its use in agriculture and horticulture seems appropriate.