PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

M L Henriks-Eckerman

Publications and source records attributed to M L Henriks-Eckerman.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Exposure to airborne methacrylates and natural rubber latex allergens in dental clinics.

The exposure of dental personnel to airborne methacrylates and natural rubber latex (NRL) allergens was studied during placing of composite resin restorations in six dental clinics in Finland. Both area and personal sampling were performed, and special attention was paid to measurement of short-term emissions from the patient's mouth. Methacrylates were collected onto thermal desorption tubes filled with Tenax TA and NRL allergens onto membrane filters. The methacrylate samples were thermally desorbed and analysed by gas chromatography with mass selective detection. The NRL allergen concentrations were determined by the allergen-specific IgE-ELISA-inhibition method. The median concentration of 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (2-HEMA) was 0.004 mg m-3 close to the dental nurse's work-desk and 0.003 mg m-3 in the breathing zone of the nurse with a maximum concentration of 0.033 mg m-3. Above the patient's mouth the concentration of 2-HEMA was about 0.01 mg m-3 during both working stages, i.e., during application of adhesive and composite resins and during finishing and polishing of the fillings. Maximum concentrations of 3-5 times higher than median concentrations were also measured. Triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate was released into the air mainly during the removal of old composite resin restorations (0.05 mg m-3) and only to a minor extent during finishing and polishing procedures. The median concentration of the NRL allergen was 0.12 au m-3 (au = arbitrary unit) with a maximum concentration of 1.1 au m-3. The results show that, except for short-term emissions from the patient's mouth, the exposure of dental personnel to methacrylates and NRL allergens is very low. Measures to reduce exposure are discussed, as the airborne concentrations of methacrylates should be kept as low as possible in order to reduce the risk of hypersensitivity.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗
PubMed2000

Determination of airborne methyl isocyanate as dibutylamine or 1-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazine derivatives by liquid and gas chromatography.

The usefulness of a glass fibre filter method to collect airborne methyl isocyanate (MIC) was studied in laboratory experiments and in a workplace during manufacture of mineral wool insulation material. Filter collection was based on derivatisation in situ with 1-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazine (2MP). 2MP impinger sampling was also evaluated in the workplace. Impinger sampling with dibutylamine (DBA) was used as an independent method. The samples were analysed by liquid and gas chromatography using various detection techniques: mass spectrometry, ultraviolet and electrochemical detection (LC-MS, LC-UV, LC-EchD and GC-MS). The sampling efficiency of 2MP filters for MIC varied with the origin of the glass fibre filter. Two Whatman filters (diameter 25 mm) with altogether 21 mumol of 2MP collected 100% of 9.8 micrograms of MIC during 30 min at an airflow rate of 1 l min-1. The workplace measurements were performed at two concentration levels, 0.003 and 0.09 mg m-3. The theoretical amounts of derivatisation reagent were 42 mumol (2MP filter), 52 mumol (2MP impinger) and 100 mumol (DBA). MIC concentrations were 20% lower by the 2MP methods compared with the DBA method (statistically significant difference). Breakthrough was 6% for the DBA method and 9% for the 2MP impinger method. To trap both MIC and isocyanic acid, which was also present in the workplace samples, a tenfold molar amount of 2MP reagent was used. The precision of sample preparation, expressed as relative standard deviation, was 3.5% (0.17 microgram ml-1, n = 6). The precision of sampling in the workplace was 15% (0.002 mg m-3, n = 6). The limit of quantification was 0.0006 mg m-3 for 30 l of air by the 2MP impinger method and 0.03-0.05 mg m-3 by the 2MP filter method. Hence, airborne MIC can be determined using 2MP as derivatisation reagent. Impinger sampling is preferable when low concentration levels are expected.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗
PubMed1999

Working conditions and health in hairdressing salons.

The purpose of the study was to assess the working conditions in hairdressing salons and the influence of work factors on the workers' health. Twenty randomly sampled hairdressing salons in the Helsinki, Finland, metropolitan area were selected for the study. The study was performed during winter 1994-1995; it included a survey of the hairdressing chemicals in use, the measurement of physical and chemical working conditions, and a self-administered questionnaire of the work environment and health of the workers. The air temperature varied between 16-25 degrees C, air velocity 0.02-0.3 m/s, and relative humidity, 18-42 percent. The total dust concentration varied between 66-133 micrograms/m3. The concentration of volatile organic compounds was 84-465 micrograms/m3 and the peaks rose to 25-45 mg/m3. The highest concentration of ammonia detected was 3.5 mg/m3. The long-term concentrations of thioglycolates and persulfates were at their lowest below the detection limit, and at their highest 1.8 micrograms/m3 for thioglycolates and 4.7 micrograms/m3 for persulfates, respectively, and the peaks of persulfates, 30 micrograms/m3. Hairdressing chemicals, awkward work postures, and repetitive movements were the most frequent causes of discomfort and for some had caused a work-related disease. Good general ventilation decreased the health complaints caused by hairdressing chemicals, but caused discomfort as a result of drafts. On average, the physical and chemical working conditions in the hairdressing salons were satisfactory compared with the Finnish criterion for indoor climate. However, the frequent high peak concentrations of chemicals during dyeing, bleaching, permanenting, and aerosol spraying still pose a significant health problem. Although effective general ventilation alleviated the effects of the air pollutants, it could not completely solve the problem. Therefore, local exhaust ventilation is recommended at the mixing places for hairdressing chemicals and wherever they are applied to the hair. According to our results, already increasing the air exchange rate up to 5 to 7 times per hour during the high exposure jobs would improve the situation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Diethanolamine-induced occupational asthma, a case report.

BACKGROUND: Amino alcohols are low molecular weight chemicals used widely in industrial processes, often as minor constituents. They have been found to cause allergic contact dermatitis. Marked exposure through airways is uncommon in other than occupational settings where chemicals containing amino alcohols may be heated or vaporized, liberating free amino alcohols into the ambient air. A few cases of asthma and allergic rhinitis have been reported, but the amounts inducing the airway reactions have not been defined. OBJECTIVE: To further characterize ethanolamine-induced asthma and define the concentration inducing the asthmatic reaction, a case of diethanolamine-induced occupational asthma in a patient handling diethanolamine containing cutting fluid is reported. METHODS: Suspicion of work related asthma was raised by symptoms and peak expiratory flow monitorings at work and at home. Specific bronchial provocation tests with the cutting fluid containing DEA and with DEA aerosol at two different concentration below the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists threshold limit value of DEA (2.0 mg/m3) were done. RESULTS: DEA caused asthmatic airway obstruction at two different concentrations below the ACGIH TLV. A slight dose-response relationship was observed. Specific IgE-antibodies against DEA could not be found. CONCLUSIONS: DEA is able to induce occupational asthma by a sensitization mechanism, the exact pathophysiological mechanism of which is not known.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Allergenic ingredients in nail polishes.

It has been known since the 1940s that nail polishes contain allergenic ingredients. The aim of this study was to clarify whether the nail polishes on the market today contain significant amounts of allergens, and what the solvents are. The following ingredients were determined: toluene, toluene sulfonamide formaldehyde resins, free formaldehyde, acrylates, methacrylates and certain organic solvents. The study comprised 20 brands and 42 samples. All the nail polishes analysed contained allergenic toluene sulfonamide formaldehyde resins (TSFR), in concentrations from 0.08 to 11.0%. The concentration of total formaldehyde varied from 0.02% to 0.5%. The more TSFR a nail polish contained, the higher was its formaldehyde content. Probably not only TSFR-allergic but also formaldehyde-allergic persons may get dermatitis from many of the nail polishes studied. The concentrations of acrylates and methacrylates were so small that they are of practical significance only to those previously sensitized to acrylates. Of the organic solvents, toluene was still widely used, whereas xylene was found in only 1 product. The nail polishes on the market today are not safe for all consumers. However, according to the regulations of the European Union, the packaging labeling of all cosmetic products must be supplied with a list of ingredients from the beginning of 1998. This will help the consumer to avoid allergenic products. A better alternative could, however, be to substitute the most allergenic ingredients with substances possessing minor allergy potency.

Acrylates↗
PubMed1997

Gas chromatographic and mass spectrometric purity analysis of acrylates and methacrylates used as patch test substances.

BACKGROUND: To make a correct diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis, patch testing needs to be performed, and the patch test substances need to be pure. OBJECTIVE: We wanted to study how pure commercial (meth)acrylic patch test substances are. METHODS: The purity of (meth)acrylic patch test substances (diacrylates, dimethacrylates, and triacrylates) dissolved in acetone was determined by gas chromatography. The impurities were identified by mass spectrometry in both electron impact and chemical ionization mode. RESULTS: The analyzed dimethacrylates were very pure (97% to 99%). The purity of the three studied diacrylates were 81% to 91%, but tripropyleneglycol diacrylate (81% pure) contained as much as 13% of tripropyleneglycol monoacrylate. The purities of the triacrylates were 82% to 86%. All diacrylates and triacrylates contained 1% to 13% of the corresponding hydroxyacrylates. CONCLUSION: The impurities may result in false interpretation of the patch test results, and accordingly in wrong diagnosis. If the patch test substance is impure, at least, the chemical impurities that can be detected by gas chromatography should be measured and reported in a certificate of analysis, preferably from each batch.

Acrylates↗
PubMed1996

Occupational dermatoses from exposure to epoxy resin compounds in a ski factory.

Of 22 workers in a ski factory, occupational allergic contact dermatitis was found in 8. 6 were sensitive to epoxy resin compounds, i.e., epoxy resins, hardeners or diluents, 1 to cobalt in glass-fiber reinforcements, and 1 to formaldehyde in a urea-formaldehyde glue and a lacquer. 4 workers had irritant contact dermatitis from epoxy resin compounds, lacquers, sanding dust, or glass-fiber dust. 3 had contact allergy from a new sensitizer, diethyleneglycol diglycidyl ether, in a reactive diluent. Immediate transfer of workers sensitized to epoxy resin from epoxy exposure prevents aggravation of their dermatitis and broadening of the sensitization to epoxy hardeners, diluents and other compounds.

Adhesives↗
PubMed1996

Occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by photobonded sculptured nails and a review of (meth) acrylates in nail cosmetics.

BACKGROUND: Mono(meth)acrylates (monoacrylates and monomethacrylates) are moderate to strong sensitizers. They are used in the production of a great variety of polymers, including nail cosmetics. OBJECTIVE: A patient who became occupationally sensitized to photobonded sculptured nails is reported. Detailed patch testing and analyses of the patient's nail cosmetics containing mono(meth)acrylates clarified the cause of her hand and face dermatitis. The current knowledge on mono(meth)acrylates in nail cosmetics is also reviewed. METHODS: Patch testings with conventional methods, including patch testing with the patient's own substances, were performed. The patient's nail cosmetics suspected of containing mono(meth)acrylates were analyzed with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis. RESULTS: In the (meth)acrylate series, 15 of the 31 (meth)acrylate compounds tested gave an allergic reaction: 2 acrylates, 5 methacrylates, 3 dimethacrylates, and 5 diacrylates. Epoxy diacrylates, cyanoacrylate, triacrylates, and methacrylic acid were negative. Three of seven of her own nail cosmetic preparations contained mono(meth)acrylates as revealed by the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis, and these also gave allergic patch test reactions, namely, the nail liquid, nail hardener, and UV-cured nail gel. CONCLUSION: The patient probably had been sensitized to the following (meth)acrylate compounds from her nail cosmetics: tripropylene glycol diacrylate and methyl acrylate from her photobonded nail gel; ethyl methacrylate, triethylene glycol dimethacrylate, and methyl methacrylate from her nail liquid; and butyl methacrylate from her nail hardener. She was probably also sensitized to the rare sensitizer aliphatic urethane diacrylate, but the source was not verified. Because nail cosmetics containing mono(meth)acrylates are strong sensitizers, both the workers and the customers should be aware of their sensitizing capacity; they should use no-touch techniques regarding the skin before the mono(meth)acrylates are polymerized.

Acrylates↗
PubMed1993

Occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by diethylenetriamine in carbonless copy paper.

Carbonless copy paper, or 'no carbon required' (NCR) paper, has often been implicated as the cause of skin, respiratory, or general symptoms, but allergy has been verified in only a few cases. A 43-year-old machinist whose work involved the manufacture of NCR paper developed occupational dermatitis on the hands. On patch testing, both the NCR paper and 1 of the chemicals used to produce the microcapsules of the NCR paper, namely diethylenetriamine (DETA), provoked an allergic reaction. Analysis of the paper showed that it contained enough DETA to induce allergic contact dermatitis. People who handle NCR paper and develop symptoms of contact dermatitis should be patch tested with DETA.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Contact dermatitis from telefax paper.

A nonatopic female secretary developed hand dermatitis after 1 year of full-time work with telefax paper. Her dermatitis improved on sick leave and vacation and relapsed at work. Patch testing showed allergic reactions to several fragrances, balsam of Peru, colophony and neomycin. In 3 patch test sessions, her own telefax papers gave a doubtful reaction which persisted for 4 days, but it could not be determined whether the reactions were allergic or irritant. The colophony content of the telefax paper was about 1%, and it was possible that colophony in the telefax paper was responsible for the weak path test reactions. Accordingly, the contact dermatitis would have been allergic. The patient has now been relocated, does not handle telefax paper, and is symptomless. We concluded that our patient had an occupational hand contact dermatitis induced by telefax paper and possibly caused by colophony allergy.

Dermatitis, Allergic Contact↗
PubMed1990

Occupational dermatoses from epoxy resin compounds.

This study comprises 40 patients with skin disorders from current or previous occupational exposure to epoxy resin compounds (ERC) during 1984-1988. ERCs were the 3rd most common cause (32 of 264 cases: 12.1%) of currently relevant allergic contact dermatitis: 23 cases from epoxy resins based on the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA-ERs), 5 from reactive diluents, 1 from amine hardeners (DETA), and 3 from epoxy acrylates. 2 cases (0.8%) of irritant contact dermatitis were due to ERCs. Methyl hexahydrophthalic anhydride (MHHPA, an epoxy hardener) caused 1 case of contact urticaria. Previously relevant occupational allergic contact dermatitis from DGEBA-ERs was detected in 5 cases. On patch testing, ERC allergens gave the following positive reactions: epoxy resin of the standard series in 35 cases (4.0% of 870 tested), epoxy reactive diluents in 10 (7.1% of 140), cycloaliphatic epoxy resins in 4 (11.1% of 36), epoxy acrylates in 4 (4.5% of 88), and amine compounds commonly used as epoxy hardeners in 17. Despite extensive patch test series, testing with patients' own ERCs remains important.

Chromatography, Gas↗