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

Occupational exposure to epoxy components and risk of dermatitis: A registry-based follow-up study of the wind turbine industry

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.

Fibreglass dermatitis: diagnostic challenges and occupational interventions

Fibreglass dermatitis is a common occupationally acquired irritant contact dermatitis, where small spicules of fibreglass lodging in the stratum corneum result in mechanical irritation. We present two patients, an air-conditioning ducting worker and an injection moulding machine operator, who both presented with generalized pruritus. In the first case, polarized microscopy of a skin biopsy specimen demonstrated rare small spicules, with a diameter of 1 µm, lodged in the stratum corneum. In the second case, skin tape stripping demonstrated fibreglass particles, not found on skin biopsy. Proper work practices, personal hygiene and use of impervious barrier materials were recommended. The first patient did not return for follow-up, and the second patient's dermatitis resolved after handling of fibreglass-containing material was eliminated from his job scope. In conclusion, we present two cases of fibreglass dermatitis to illustrate the challenges in diagnosis and highlight strategies for prevention.

An exploratory randomized controlled trial comparing wood-composite and synthetic fibreglass splint systems for the immobilization of paediatric upper limb fractures

AIMS

This exploratory randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to determine the splint-related outcomes when using the novel biodegradable wood-composite splint (Woodcast) compared to standard synthetic fibreglass (Dynacast) for the immobilization of undisplaced upper limb fractures in children.

METHODS

An exploratory RCT was performed at a tertiary paediatric referral hospital between 1 June 2018 and 30 September 2019. The intention-to-treat population consisted of 170 patients (mean age 8.42 years (SD 3.42); Woodcast (WCG), n = 84, 57 male (67.9%); Dynacast (DNG), n = 86, 58 male (67.4%)). Patients with undisplaced upper limb fractures were randomly assigned to WCG or DNG treatment groups. Primary outcome was the stress stability of the splint material, defined as absence of any deformations or fractures within the splint during study period. Secondary outcomes included patient satisfaction and medical staff opinion. Additionally, biomechanical and chemical analysis of the splint samples was carried out.

RESULTS

Of the initial 170 patients, 168 (98.8%) completed at least one follow-up, and were included for analysis of the primary endpoint. Both treatment groups were well-matched regarding to age, sex, and type and localization of the fracture. Splint breakage occurred in three patients (3.6%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.007% to 0.102%) in the WCG and in three children (3.5%, 95% CI 0.007% to 0.09%) in the DNG (p > 0.99). The incidence of splint-related adverse events did not differ between the WCG (n = 21; 25.0%) and DNG (n = 24; 27.9%; p = 0.720). Under experimental conditions, the maximal tensile strength of Dynacast samples was higher than those deriving from Woodcast (mean 15.37 N/mm² (SD 1.37) vs 10.75 N/mm² (SD 1.20); p = 0.002). Chemical analysis revealed detection of polyisocyanate-prepolymer in Dynacast and polyester in Woodcast samples.

CONCLUSION

Splint-related adverse events appear similar between WCG and DNG treatment groups during the treatment of undisplaced forearm fractures. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(10):1405-1411.

Safety and Health Concerns for the Users of a Playground, Built with Reused Rotor Blades from a Dismantled Wind Turbine

This paper analyses the user safety of a playground built out of reused blades from a dismantled wind turbine. Located in Rotterdam and designed by the Netherlands architecture firm Superuse Studios, the playground, called “Wikado”, represents an example of the circular economy applied to the built environment. With reused materials, Wikado represents a saving in resources and energy, when compared to a standard playground built with primary materials. Furthermore, the playground creates a unique design experience for its users, who can still recognise the original rotor blades following their transformation into slides, platforms, and tunnels. However, the safety of the playground could be questioned. This paper will analyse the materials and products used in the playground and their condition some years after opening. The analysis focuses on the risks of human health during the use of the playground. It considers the shape and the sharpness of the rotor blades, its components such as glass fibres and epoxy resin. As a result of the analysis, two risk analysis conceptual models help to assess the health concerns regarding the contact with the materials, and some yellow drops leaching from the rotor blades. This analysis informs the contemporary debate concerning the reuse of materials, and more generically, the circular economy applied to the built environment: whether it is recommended and safe to reuse materials for a different function from that which they were originally designed. This paper will explain that in the analysed case study, it can be safe to reuse materials for a different function, but only with the appropriate precautions.