Allergic contact dermatitis to 1,2‐benzisothiazolin‐3‐one in the carpet industry

Abstract

The compound 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one (BIT) is the active ingredient in Proxel GXL a commonly used preservative in many industries. The present case report identifies the carpet industry as an additional source of occupational allergic contact dermatitis to BIT.

Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from 1,2‐benzisothiazolin‐3‐one without cross‐sensitization to other isothiazolinones

“…It is often used in pastes, cutting oils, water‐based paints, cleaning agents, polishes, pigments and plasticizers (1). After the first publication by Pedersen (2) in 1976, there have been multiple reports of allergic contact dermatitis from BIT in various occupations, including carpet makers (3), printers, painters and paper‐hangers (4, 5), paint manufacturers (6, 7), pottery workers (8), paper makers, metalworkers (9) and laboratory technicians (2, 10). BIT has also been reported to sensitize woodwork teachers (11), workers in the air freshener manufacturing industry (12) and a patient working in a shoe factory (13).…”

“…Like BIT, MCI/MI is used in metalworking fluids, paints, glues, plastics and cosmetics (except in Europe, where BIT is not permitted in cosmetics) (15). In some patients, positive patch test reactions have been noted to both MCI/MI and BIT (3, 4), and presumed to represent cross‐sensitivity. Damstra et al, however, propose that cross‐sensitivity is unlikely, despite the chemical similarity between the 2 compounds (5).…”

Allergic contact dermatitis to 1,2‐benzisothiazolin‐3‐one in the water softener manufacturing industry

“…Our patient developed allergic contact dermatitis as a result of exposure to 1,2‐benzisothiazolin‐3‐one (CAS 2634‐33‐5) used as a biocide in water softener manufacture. Sensitization to 1,2‐benzisothiazolin‐3‐one has been reported in paint (2) and air freshener (3) manufacturing, the carpet industry (4), potting, printing, decorating and metal working. One previous case of allergic contact dermatitis to 1,2‐benzisothiazolin‐3‐one in the water softening industry was reported 10 years ago (5).…”

Contact allergy to 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one

“…BIT is a well‐known contact allergen, and can also cause airborne and systemic contact dermatitis . BIT was found to be not safe for use in cosmetic products in 2012 , and most published cases are therefore occupational .…”