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Occupational dermatitis to ultraviolet-cured acrylic-based inks in computer hard disc manufacturing
1From the Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, and Contact Dermatitis Clinic, Ottawa Civic Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Summary
A silk screener developed allergic contact dermatitis from ultraviolet-cured inks used in computer disc manufacturing. Patch testing identified tripropyleneglycol diacrylate (TRPGDA) as the likely allergen.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Dermatology
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Ultraviolet-cured (UVC) acrylates are widely used in industrial applications.
- UVC technology offers rapid curing and durable finishes.
- Acrylates can be sensitizers, leading to allergic reactions.
Observation:
- A 26-year-old female experienced acute allergic contact dermatitis on her hands and forearms.
- The patient was occupationally exposed to UVC-cured inks during computer disc manufacturing.
- Patch testing indicated significant reactions to epoxy resin and multiple multifunctional acrylates.
Findings:
- Tripropyleneglycol diacrylate (TRPGDA) was the sole identified allergen from the material safety data sheet.
- Positive reactions to other acrylates were likely due to cross-reactivity.
- A potential reaction to non-hardened epoxy resin contaminant was also noted.
Implications:
- This case highlights a novel application of UVC-cured acrylate-based inks in hard disc production.
- It underscores the importance of identifying specific allergens in occupational dermatitis cases.
- Awareness of TRPGDA as a potential sensitizer is crucial for worker safety in this industry.