Prevention of Dermatitis in Epoxy Exposed Lamination Workers Producing Wind Turbine Blades: An Intervention Study Using Fluorescence Visualization

The risk of sensitization and contact dermatitis among workers exposed to epoxy resin systems (ERS) is high despite extensive preventive efforts, probably because skin exposure is often left unrecognized.

The main objective of this project is to prevent epoxy-related dermatitis and sensitization, caused by working with ERS, by fluorescence visualization of exposure. In cooperation with global manufacturers of wind turbines, 250 lamination workers will be allocated to either an intervention or a control Group. The risk of dermatitis and sensitization will be compared. Skin exposure will be made visible by a fluorescent tracer added to the ERS. UVA-light will illuminate the skin of head, neck, arms and hands and the fluorescent areas will be recorded and quantified by a computer vision system. The intervention group will be shown the fluorescent areas on their skin, while the control group will not have this information. The intervention takes place daily for a period of 1 month, 4 times during the 2 year follow up period.

All participants are patch tested, screened for dermatitis and atopy at start and end of follow up or at end of employment. The investigators also assess potential determinants for ERS exposure including working tasks and procedures. Information on dermatitis diagnoses from hospital contacts, medical prescriptions and education will be obtained from registers.