Occupational allergic airbone contact dermatitis and delayed bronchial asthma from epoxy resin revealed by bronchial provocation test.

Diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) epoxy resins belong to the most common causes of occupational allergic contact dermatitis. DGEBA has on rare occasions caused occupational asthma. Here we present a patient who first developed occupational allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) caused by a single accidental exposure to DGEBA. Then, on continued occupational exposure to DGEBA, the patient developed occupational asthma from DGEBA, in addition to ACD. A bronchial provocation test with DGEBA caused a 36% drop in the peak expiratory flow, reflecting a delayed type of occupational asthma. This bronchial provocation test caused a strong dermatitis of the exposed skin of the face, in accordance with airborne ACD from DGEBA.