The role of adhesives as causes of work related dermatoses was reviewed. Thermoplastic, thermosetting, hot melt, pressure sensitive, remoistenable, and contact adhesives were discussed. Natural organic adhesives were animal and vegetable glues such as latex, soybean glue, casein glue, blood albumin, collagen, and gums and mucilages. Synthetic organic adhesives were of many types and were used alone or in combination with other adhesives. Hand dermatitis was caused by vinyl resins, acrylates, polyester adhesives, phenol/formaldehyde resins, and para-tertiary-butyl-phenol/formaldehyde resins. In the case of epoxy resins, the epoxy group was the allergenic component. Fully cured epoxy resins were harmless, but unreacted monomer, especially in resins cured without heat, had allergenic potential. Most protective gloves were permeable, and contaminated hands spread the resin to face and other body regions. Since epoxy curing was exothermic, airborne spread was also possible. 18.5% of those exposed to epoxy were allergic on patch testing. Other synthetics discussed were polyimide and polyamide adhesives, polyurethanes, and elastomeric adhesives.