KEY WORDS
Occupational dermatoses caused by plastic composites based on polyester resins, plastic composites epoxy resins and vinyl ester resins (epoxy diacrylates) were reviewed. Common epoxy resins causes of irritant contact dermatitis are glass-fibre reinforcement and dust from polyester resins product-finishing processes. Irritant contact dermatoses are also caused by vinylester resins resins, styrene, acetone, benzoyl peroxide, etc. Diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A glass-fibres (DGEBA) epoxy resin, amine hardeners, dicarboxylic (phthalic) anhydride hardallergic contact dermatitis eners and reactive epoxy diluents are common causes of allergic contact dermairritant contact dermatitis titis. Non-DGEBA epoxy resins, tetraglycidyl-4,4Π-methylenedianiline (TGMDA) contact urticaria and triglycidyl-p-aminophenol (TGPAP) used in carbon fibre reinforced comoccupational posites may cause sensitization from prepregs. Diethylene glycol maleate is a new allergen in polyester resin cement. Natural rubber latex in protective gloves, and low molecular weight chemicals such as the epoxy resin hardener methyl tetrahydrophthalic anhydride (MTHPA) are causes of immunologic contact urticaria. Patch-testing with materials used by the patients at work, together with chemical analysis, is often needed to find the causative allergen, in addition to patch testing with standard test trays. Avoidance of skin contact with resin compounds, use of protective gloves, local ventilation, proper working methods, and informing the workers, are needed to lower the prevalence of occupational dermatoses in the manufacture of plastic composites.