Occupational exposure to epoxy components and risk of dermatitis: A registry-based follow-up study of the wind turbine industry

BackgroundAllergic contact allergy and dermatitis are frequently reported among epoxy-exposed workers.ObjectivesTo determine the risk of dermatitis associated with epoxy exposure.MethodsWe followed 825 epoxy-exposed and 1091 non-exposed blue-collar workers, and 493 white-collar workers of a Danish wind turbine blade factory during 2017-2022 with linked data from national health registers on diagnoses, patch testing, or fillings of prescriptions for topical corticosteroids. Incidence rate ratios of dermatitis or a first-time topical corticosteroid prescription were estimated with Poisson regression using non-exposed blue-collar workers as reference. We similarly estimated incidence rate ratios for the duration of epoxy exposure and current epoxy exposure.ResultsEpoxy-exposed blue-collar workers showed a dermatitis incidence rate of 2.1 per 100 000 person days, a two-fold increased risk of dermatitis and a 20% increased risk of filling a prescription for topical corticosteroids. Incidence rate ratios were higher during early exposure and declined with further exposure for both outcomes. White-collar workers had generally lower risks.ConclusionWe observed an increased risk of dermatitis following epoxy exposure confirming previous case reports and cross-sectional studies emphasizing the need for intensified focus on preventive efforts for this group of workers. A register-based follow-up study of 2409 wind turbine workers exposed to epoxy was performed. The study combined employment information with national health registers and showed overall increased incidence rate ratio of dermatitis as well as declining risk with duration of epoxy exposure indicative of a strong healthy worker survivor effect.image