Asthma and atopy in workers with an epoxy adhesive.

Seven workers using an epoxy adhesive cured with pyromellitic dianhydride were studied. Workers both mixed and used the adhesive. Each completed a questionnaire about previous respiratory symptoms, family or personal history of atopy, smoking history and symptoms using the adhesive. FEV1 was measured as a base-line and after working with the adhesive. Skin tests to common allergens were performed on all subjects. Two subjects who stated they wheezed with adhesive had falls in FEV1 of 15% and 18% from base-line. Totally symptom-free subjects had falls of less than 4% from base-line or a rise in FEV1. There was no clear relationship between smoking habits or atopic state or skin rashes with resin and a fall in FEV1. There is no simple way to identify those at risk of developing wheeze. Care should be taken with epoxy adhesives to avoid sensitization and where it occurs a simple questionnaire would provide a screening method.