Allergenexposition im Maler- und Lackiererberuf: Allergenspektren in Farben und Lacken

Abstract

anu acquers Painters and lacquerers are exposed to a broad spectrum of allergens. Aim of the study was to characterize and clarify the spectrum of allergens in paints and lacquers. Firstly, the literature was searched forpublished contact allergies due to paints and lacquers, and the allergens mentioned were assembled in a list. Allergens that are known to be used in the formulations were added to the list. Then the list was sent to leading manufacturers of paints and lacquers. They were asked to indicate whether any allergen mentioned in the list was being used in their formulations and to note, where appropriate, any related or new substances in use. An allergen list was compiled from the information gathered. The specific allergens were then tabulated according to their occurrence in the diverse types of paints and lacquers and the various fields of activity of painters and lacquerers. From an allergological aspect the most frequently reported binders were acrylate and epoxy resins and polyurethane. Acrylate resins are utilized in solvent-based, high solids, and water-based lacquers, and radiation-curing systems. The acrylates most frequently reported were butyl acrylate, methylacrylate, ethylacrylate, 2-ethyl hexylacrylate, butyl methacrylate, and methyl methacrylate respectively. Epoxy resins (bisphenol A and bisphenol F resins, and cycloaliphatic epoxy resins, various hardeners and reactive diluents included) are used in solvent-based, high solids, and water-based lacquers, and in powder coatings. Polyurethanes are utilized mainly in high solids and water-based lacquers. Among the additives, biocides are important components. Biocides are needed for the preservation of water-based lacquers, dispersion paints, and wood preservatives. Frequently reported biocides were isothiazolinones, chloracetamide, dibromodicyanobutane, formaldehyde, iodopropynyl.butylcarbamate, and bronopol. Categorizing the various lacquers showed that high solids, solvent-based, and water-based lacquers are utilized in nearly all fields. Powder coatings are applied chiefly in engine and tool construction, electro-technology, and vehicle manufacturing, less frequently in optics and precision mechanics. Dispersion paints are used almost exclusively by house painters. Radiation curing systems are used mostly in the timber industry. Knowing the types of paints and lacquers applied in a specific field makes it possible to assess the spectrum of allergens to which the painter/ lacquerer is exposed. However, as seen from the allergen list, paint and lacquer formulations contain numerous substances that are known to be sensitizers but of which the impact as occupational relevant allergens is as yet unknown.