Occupational allergic contact dermatitis due to acrylates in Lodz

Among 1619 patients suspected of occupational contact dermatitis examined during the years 1990-1994, sensitivity to acrylates was diagnosed in 9 persons (4 dental technicians, 4 dentists, 1 textile printer). Ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (5 positive patch tests), methyl methacrylate (4), 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (4) and triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (4) were the most common sensitizers. Comparison of patch test results in dental technicians and dentists indicated that dentists were sensitive to a greater number of (meth)acrylate (acrylate and methacrylate) allergens and also to certain other allergens (metals and rubber additives). Dental technicians were sensitive almost exclusively to methacrylates, while the textile printer only to acrylates.