Allergic printers

Kanerva L, Jolanki R, Estlander T (1996b) Offset printer s occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by cobalt-2-ethylhexoate. Contact Dermatitis 34 67-68 Kanerva L, Henriks-Eckerman M-L, Jolanld R, Estlander T (1997) Plastics/acrylics material safety data sheets need to be improved. Clin Dermatol 15 533-546 Kanerva L, Estlander T, Jolanki R (1998) Dental nurse s occupational allergic contact dermatitis from eugenol used as a restorative dental material with polymethylmethacrylate. Contact Dermatitis 38 339-340... 

Interestingly, a case of allergic contact dermatitis due to cobalt-2-ethylhexoate in a Finnish offset printer has been reported (Kanerva et al. 1996). It is used as a paint and ink drier, whitener and catalyst. Although isolated cobalt allergy is rare, cobalt salts are well-known sensitisers, and this has long been recognised in painters. Dermatitis patients in contact with inks, paints or varnishes need to be patch tested with cobalt, which is routine, as cobalt chloride is a member of the standard series however its potential occupational relevance may well be overlooked. Ethoxylated phenol and its phosphate salt have been described as sensitisers (Ashworth 1991) these compounds are used as surfactants in plate developers. 

The third case was reported by Isaac et al. (1992) and concerned a silk-screen printer who was allergic to butanediol diacrylate (BUDA), trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA), PETA, and the UV-curable ink. This woman worked in a pharmaceutical company. She printed labels on plastic bottles and so came in contact with UV-cured ink and developed a pruritic dermatitis involving the hands and eyelids. TMPTA and PETA were found in the UV-cured ink, but the relevance of BUDA could not be determined. 

Isothiazolinone BIT is widely used in industry as a preservative in water-based solutions, such as pastes, paints and cutting oils. It exists at different concentrations in the different Proxel AB, GXL, CRL, XL2, XL, HL, TN, and in Mergal K-10. BIT is an irritant and also a skin sensitizer. Occupational allergic contact dermatitis has been reported mainly related to the use of cutting oils and greases in paint manufacturers, pottery mouldmakers, acrylic emulsion manufacturers, plumbers, printers and lithoprinters, paper makers, an analytical laboratory, a rubber factory, and in employees manufacturing air fresheners. 

Rycroft RJG, Neild VS (1992) Allergic contact dermatitis from MCI/MI biocide in a printer. Contact Dermatitis 26 142... 

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