Prevalence and sources of occupational contact sensitization to acrylates in Italy

Acrylate-based products are widely utilized in the industrialized world and in the domestic environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and sources of occupational contact sensitization to acrylates in a selected population. Between January 1987 and April 1992, 82 patients suspected of occupational acrylic sensitization were patch tested with the GIRDCA standard series and an extensive acrylate series. Over this 5-year period, we detected sensitization to acrylates in 13.4% of cases. Dental materials and anaerobic sealants were the most important sources of acrylate sensitization. Among acrylic monomers, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate was the most frequent contact sensitizer in our study. Acrylate additives were also important sources of contact dermatitis in our patients. Although the clinical picture of airborne contact dermatitis due to acrylates has rarely been reported in the literature, it was commonly observed in our patients.