Sigrun Schmidt

Background Allergic contact allergy and dermatitis are frequently reported among epoxy‐exposed workers. Objectives To determine the risk of dermatitis associated with epoxy exposure. Methods We followed 825 epoxy‐exposed and 1091 non‐exposed blue‐collar workers, and 493 white‐collar workers of a Danish wind turbine blade factory during 2017–2022 with linked data from national health registers on diagnoses, patch testing, or fillings of prescriptions for topical corticosteroids. Incidence rate ratios of dermatitis or a first‐time topical corticosteroid prescription were estimated with Poisson regression using non‐exposed blue‐collar workers as reference. We similarly estimated incidence rate ratios for the duration of epoxy exposure and current epoxy exposure. Results Epoxy‐exposed blue‐collar workers showed a dermatitis incidence rate of 2.1 per 100 000 person days, a two‐fold increased risk of dermatitis and a 20% increased risk of filling a prescription for topical corticosteroids. Incidence rate ratios were higher during early exposure and declined with further exposure for both outcomes. White‐collar workers had generally lower risks. Conclusion We observed an increased risk of dermatitis following epoxy exposure confirming previous case reports and cross‐sectional studies emphasizing the need for intensified focus on preventive efforts for this group of workers.