US EPA

676679 

Journal Article 

A single accidental exposure may result in a chemical burn, primary sensitization and allergic contact dermatitis 

Kanerva, L; Tarvainen, K; Pinola, A; Leino, T; Granlund, H; Estlander, T; Jolanki, R; Forstrom, L 

1994 

Yes 

Contact Dermatitis
ISSN: 0105-1873
EISSN: 1600-0536 

NIOSH/00222872 

31 

4 

229-235 

English 

7842678 

10.1111/j.1600-0536.1994.tb01994.x 

WOS:A1994PM62800006 

http://doi.wiley.com/10.1111/j.1600-0536.1994.tb01994.x
Exit
 

It is known from experimental studies that antigenic potency and the concentration of antigen determine whether exposure to an antigen will result in sensitization. A single accidental exposure to concentrated antigen may therefore induce primary sensitization. The purpose of this report was to collect clinical cases in which a single exposure had resulted in contact dermatitis suspected to be allergic. Only patients without previous relevant skin symptoms were included. Patch testing was used to demonstrate sensitization. 6 patients developed occupational allergic contact dermatitis from accidental exposure. Patch testing revealed allergy to diglycidylether of bisphenol A epoxy resin, poly functional aziridine hardener, methyl acrylate, phenol-formaldehyde resin, and methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (Kathon LX), respectively. Furthermore, 2 patients developed allergic contact dermatitis from their first exposure to tear gas chemicals, namely omega-chloroacetophenone and ortho-chlorobenzylidene malonitrile. A single exposure can therefore induce both sensitization and subsequent allergic contact dermatitis without further exposure. The allergens described must be considered strong allergens. The skin should immediately be cleaned if an accidental splash with such an allergen has taken place. 

epoxy resin; poly functional aziridine hardener; methyl acrylate; phenol-formaldehyde resin; isothiazolinones; Kathon LX; tear gas; omega-chloroacetophenone; ortho-chlorobenzylidene malonitrile; occupational; allergic contact dermatitis; chemical bum; respiratory effect