Cross reaction pattern of 26 acrylic monomers on guinea pig skin.

The cross reaction pattern of acrylic monomers was investigated in 20 groups of animals sensitized to a different acrylic monomer. Animals sensitized to one monoacrylate tend to react to other monoacrylates. Reactions to corresponding monomethacrylates (same alcohol group in the ester) or other monomethacrylates did not occur. Some reactions to di(meth)acrylates were observed. A number of animals sensitized to one monomethacrylate reacted to some other monomethacrylates and to monoacrylates. Reactions to di(meth)acrylates were observed. Animals sensitized to di(meth)acrylates showed hardly any positive cross reaction. A universal screening allergen to detect acrylic monomer sensitizations does not exist. The composition of (industrial) products should be made accessible to the occupational dermatologist in order to prevent the undesirable situation in which a patient suspected of having an acrylic monomer sensitization must be tested with a large series of potent allergens in order to detect the real origin of the sensitization.