Background:
Acrylate compounds are well-known sensitizers, but there is relatively little data on the sensitizing capacity of various acrylate compounds in humans.
Objective:
The purpose of the study was to provide data on patch test results obtained with a series of 30 acrylate compounds. Special emphasis was directed to ethyl methacrylate because it is being reviewed in the United States for its safety as a cosmetic ingredient.
Methods:
One hundred twenty-four patients with a history of exposure to acrylate compounds were patch tested with conventional patch test techniques.
Results:
Twenty-three patients showed at least one positive patch test reaction. The three acrylate compounds most often positive were 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate (15 positive), 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (14 positive), and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (13 positive). Six patients had an allergic patch test reaction caused by ethyl methacrylate (EMA).
Conclusion:
The acrylate compounds that caused the most sensitizations probably are significant contact sensitizers in humans or have a strong tendency to cross-react with sensitizers. Based on a recently proposed classification of contact allergens, EMA can probably be considered a significant human contact allergen. If the exposure to EMA increases, more patients will be sensitized to EMA. Because of cross-reactivity, these persons will also have allergic reactions from other acrylate compounds.
