Identification and control of contact dermatitis from polyfunctional acrylic monomers in five Swedish furniture companies
Titel:
Identification and control of contact dermatitis from polyfunctional acrylic monomers in five Swedish furniture companies
Auteur:
Voog, Lennart Jansson, Bjarne
Verschenen in:
Journal of environmental science and health. Part A, Toxic/hazardous substances & environmental engineering
Paginering:
Jaargang 27 (1992) nr. 7 pagina's 1925-1938
Jaar:
1992-10
Inhoud:
The rapid introduction of ultraviolet-cured (UV-cured) acrylate varnishes has meant that the risk of adverse reactions to organic solvents has been replaced by the risk of contact dermatitis. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the occurrence of skin reactions among persons exposed to acrylate varnish and to obtain data as a basis for risk assessment, handling recommendations, and safety training. A model for practical safety work including collaboration between medical and technical experts was used for the study. The results showed that three of 59 exposed individuals in five companies experienced episodes of severe acute toxic skin reactions to acrylate varnish. The use of acrylate varnish was characterized by insufficient product knowledge and lack of introduction routines, handling directions, and protective equipment. Critical operations identified were varnish refilling, cleaning, repair, and maintenance. Deficiencies in varnish suppliers' observance of their legal obligation to inform customers about new products were also identified. Handling directions, informative leaflets, and proposals for technical solutions were presented. The implementation of the measures was accelerated by the establishment of systematic collaboration between occupational medicine, industrial health care, and the local safety organization. During a follow-up period of three years, no further cases of acute toxic eczema had been reported at the companies studied.
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