Abstract
Surface coating of wood with UV radiation-curable acrylate coatings is rapidly increasing because of an attempt to reduce the industrial use of organic solvents. Workers from 38 of 48 industrial plants in Sweden using this technology were identified. Altogether, 659 individuals participated in this investigation. Workers who had past or present eczematous skin disease (184) were included in the dermatologic examination. Of those, 144 were investigated clinically and patch tested with TRUE test standard panels and a test panel containing ingredients included in UV coatings. Forty individuals were interviewed by telephone. Present eczema or history of eczema excluding seborrheic dermatitis was observed in 28% of the UV line workers and finishers and in 18% of the unexposed matched controls. The total eczema frequency in the UV line workers was the greatest of the exposure groups and significantly different from the control group. One individual had a positive reaction to acrylates and had previously experienced eczema when working on the UV line. The UV radiation emitted from the UV-curing units is highly irritating. This study indicates problems of irritant dermatitis but low frequency of contact allergy in workers employed in the UV surface-coating industry. Protective measures are required to reduce worker exposure to UV coatings and UV radiation.
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