OCCUPATIONAL ALLERGIC CONTACT-DERMATITIS FROM 2,3-EPOXYPROPYL TRIMETHYL AMMONIUM-CHLORIDE (EPTMAC) AND KATHON(R) LX IN A STARCH MODIFICATION FACTORY

2,3-epoxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (EPTMAC) is used in the pr oduction of cationic starch (CS) for the paper industry. It has been s hown to be a sensitizer in guinea pigs, but cases of human sensitizati on are few 4 workers were previously sensitized to the substance in a Finnish plant. This report describes 3 process men from another plant examined because of recurring dermatitis. Is workers were involved in production, and had free access to all work sites. 3 process men, whos e work involved drying the CS, had dermatitis, although they had only occasional contact with the cationizing chemical. 2 were already verif ied to be allergic to EPTMAC and had had variable dermatitis for 8-12 years. One had had dermatitis on his face for I year. Patch testing wi th a dilution series (1%, 0.5%, 0.2%, 0.1% pet.) confirmed their aller gy to the cationizing chemical containing EPTMAC, but tests with CS we re negative. In addition, 2 had contact allergy to Cl+ Me-isothiazolin one from contact with Kathon(R) LX used as a slimicide in the process. In longstanding (years) recurrent dermatitis, re-examination of patie nts with verified exposure history and skin tests is necessary. In lin e with our previous study, sampling the process materials, maintenance work and contamination of work sites and gloves caused sensitization. The results also confirm that EPTMAC is a strong human contact sensit izer. 0.2%-0.5% pure EPTMAC in pet. seems to be the optimal patch test concentration.