Systemic allergic contact dermatitis to fiberglass in a factory worker of wind turbine blades

Abstract

Fiberglass is extensively used due to its properties of thermal, acoustic and electrical insulation, and also to reinforce other materials such as plastics. Irritant contact dermatitis to fiberglass is a well established occupational dermatose and is due to penetration of small fragments in the cornified layer of the skin. On the other hand, allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is rare and is more often triggered by sensitivity to the additives and resins used in the manufacture of fiberglass products.

We report a case of ACD to fiberglass in a factory worker of fiberglass reinforced products.

Keywords::

• fiberglass
• patch tests
• dermatitis

Declaratrion of interest

The authors have no conflicts of interest.