Skin sensitization and dermatitis among epoxy-exposed workers in the wind turbine industry

Epoxy products are widely used as components of protective surfaces, adhesives, paints and in the manufacturing of wind turbines. They are a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis, involving an eczema reaction when the skin comes into contact with an allergen (such as epoxy) causing sensitization. Skin sensitization is diagnosed by patch testing, where allergens of interest are applied on the skin to see if a reaction is triggered. In the wind turbine industry, it is estimated that 11% of workers are sensitized to epoxy resins.

To examine the risk of sensitization and dermatitis when using comprehensive protective equipment, we conducted a study of 180 highly epoxy-exposed production workers and 41 non-exposed office workers (used for comparison) at two wind turbine blade factories in Denmark. Participants had a skin examination, answered a questionnaire and were tested with a baseline (standard) patch test panel (including common allergens) and with products used at the factories containing epoxy.

Our findings showed that almost 9% of epoxy-exposed production workers were sensitized to an epoxy component from work compared with none of the office workers. Skin sensitization was more frequent within the first year of exposed employment. Among workers without atopic dermatitis, the disease occurred more frequently in production than among office workers, and more often among the sensitized than non-sensitized workers. One out of four workers sensitized to epoxy components used at the factories did not react to the epoxy resin included in the standard patch test panel.

In conclusion, our findings suggest there is a need for intensified preventive efforts. The findings also highlight the importance of tailored patch testing.