Skin Problems among Fiber-Glass Reinforced Plastics Factory Workers in Japan.

Abstract

Two surveys, one in winter the other in summer time, examined the skin problems of the entire manual workers (N=148) from 11 small-to-medium sized fiber-glass reinforced plastics (FRP) factories located in Kyushu, Japan. The workers were exposed to unsaturated polyester resin, including styrene and auxiliary agents such as cobalt naphthenate, hardeners such as methyl ethyl ketone peroxides, glass fiber and dust including shortened glass fiber and plastic particles. Eightyseven workers (58.8%) reported having skin problems (mainly itching or dermatitis) since they started to work in FRP manufacturing and 25 workers had consulted a physician because of their skin problems; one worker was forced to take sick leave because of his severe dermatitis. History of allergic diseases and shorter occupational period (duration of employment) in a FRP factory were associated with greater probability of having a history of work-related skin symptoms. Workers in factories where dust-generating and lamination sites were located in different buildings were significantly less likely to have a history of skin problems than those in factories where the two sites were located in the same building. Of the 67 workers examined in both seasons closed to double the prevalence of dermatitis was found in summer (23.3%) than winter (13.4%).

Respiratory and skin health among glass microfiber production workers: a cross-sectional study

“…Skin symptoms, such as itching, and dermatitis are rather consistently reported in relation to occupational exposure to glass microfibers or other MMVFs in case reports, studies of individual factories, and registry-based studies [10-12,32]. Glass fibers and sensitizers, such as phenol-formaldehyde resin, have been identified as causes for individual cases.…”

“…There are even fewer studies on potential non-carcinogenic respiratory effects of glass fibers [6,8,9] and these have provided inconsistent results. There is more consistent evidence of occurrence of skin diseases in glass fiber workers [10,11]. However, we were able to identify only one previous epidemiological study assessing the risk of skin symptoms related to occupational exposures in such industry [12].…”

Fiberglass dermatitis: clinical presentations, prevention, and treatment – a review of literatures

“…Fiberglass‐reinforced plastic (FRP) factory workers are exposed to many chemicals and dust particles in the plastic manufacturing process, including glass fiber exposure . FRP mainly contains fiberglass and epoxy resin . Epoxy resins are widely used for their impact resistance to heat, water, and chemicals, as well as their ability to function as electric insulators and adhesives.…”

“…Fiberglass‐reinforced plastic workers are at high risk of developing occupational dermatitis as a result of the mechanical irritation of the glass fibers and the allergenic properties of epoxy resins. FRPs are used in marine and domestic products including swimming pools and boats . An investigation of FRP workers in Japan showed that 87 of 148 factory workers (58.8%) reported skin irritation, mainly caused by dermatitis …”

“…FRPs are used in marine and domestic products including swimming pools and boats . An investigation of FRP workers in Japan showed that 87 of 148 factory workers (58.8%) reported skin irritation, mainly caused by dermatitis …”