Allergic contact dermatitis from formaldehyde resins in permanent press clothing: An underdiagnosed cause of generalized dermatitis

Adhesives and Glues

“…Construction workers are also exposed to formaldehyde res ins in modern building materials. Textile finishes are another use for these formaldehyde resins, but this does not fit into our discussion in this chapter (Fowler et al 1992). Even cosmetics may contain PTBP-FR as Angelini and others have shown previously (Angelini et al 1993).…”

Effects of Textile Materials Harmful to Human Health

“…These resins employ methylol reactive groups to crosslink cellulose fibers in cotton, linen, and rayon (cellulose-based natural polymer) garments. Formaldehyde-related contact allergy to clothing is still a concern today, despite efforts made in the textile industry in the US to switch to the resins imparting fabrics with lower amounts of free formaldehyde [14,15]. The industry now claims that the average level of free formaldehyde, contained in the textiles made in the US, is approximately 100-200 ppm [15].…”

Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-96-0135-2612, Eagle Knitting Mills, Inc., Shawano, Wisconsin.

“…To diagnose patients who have become occupationally sensitized to formaldehyde, patch testing can be used. 28,34 A proportionate mortality study of workers in the garment industry identified formaldehyde exposure as a possible causative factor in cancers of the upper respiratory tract. 35,36 In-vitro laboratory studies have reported formaldehyde to be carcinogenic and geno-toxic.…”