RR79 - An assessment of skin sensitisation by the use of epoxy resin in the construction industry

Aimed to carry out a literature and industrial survey and to review information available on skin sensitisation due to the use of epoxies, particularly in the construction industry. Literature and industrial surveys were conducted to identify the most relevant in formation on epoxy resin sensitisation. Up to 53 relevant publications were reviewed, including the basic chemistry of epoxy resins and skin sensitisation due to various constituents of epoxy formulations. The skin sensitisation to epoxies in the construction industry was also reviewed. The most effective methods of reducing or preventing sensitisation were also described. The industrial survey included contact with construction companies and other organisations. As a result of the literature review, the main constituents in epoxy resin systems responsible for skin sensitisation were identified. It was shown that the reactive constituents of base resin, curing agents, diluents etc. are responsible for skin sensitisation to epoxy resins used in the construction industry, either singly or in combination. Recommends a number of protective measures including the use of effective protective clothing, alternative materials, mixing and dispensing procedures and safe handling of epoxy resins.

Visit the RR79 report (PDF) [12]

The Research Report Series are produced in Adobe Acrobat. The use of the latest version of the software is recommended which is available at the Adobe website via the link on this page.

Assistance in the use of Adobe Acrobat PDF files is available on our FAQs[13] page.

Link URLs in this page

  1. Science and Evidencehttps://www.hse.gov.uk/Research/index.htm
  2. Annual Science Reviewhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/Research/review.htm
  3. Find a publicationhttps://www.hsl.gov.uk/publications-and-products
  4. Science and Evidence FAQshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/Research/faqs.htm
  5. Overview - Resourceshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/Research/publish.htm
  6. Research Report serieshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/Research/rrhtm/index.htm
  7. Coronavirus research reportshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/Research/coronavirus-science-research.htm
  8. Workplace Health Expert Committee (WHEC)https://www.hse.gov.uk/Research/workplace-health-expert-committee.htm
  9. Insight researchhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/Research/insight.htm
  10. Shared research programmehttps://www.hse.gov.uk/Research/shared-research-programme.htm
  11. HSE: Innovation in Regulationhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/Research/innovation-in-regulation.htm
  12. Visit the RR79 reporthttps://www.hse.gov.uk/Research/rrpdf/rr079.pdf
  13. FAQshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/faq.htm
  14. Research Reports (RR)https://www.hse.gov.uk/Research/rrhtm/index.htm
  15. More resourceshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/Research/publish.htm
  16. Find a publicationhttps://www.hsl.gov.uk/resources/hse-science-and-research-publications/
  17. Research report serieshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/Research/rrhtm/index.htm
  18. Annual Science Reviewhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/Research/review.htm
  19. HSE Buxton Laboratoryhttps://www.hsl.gov.uk/
  20. Contract opportunitieshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/sellingtohse/contracts.htm
  21. Statisticshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/index.htm
  22. HSE jobshttp://careers.hse.gov.uk/
  23. Chief Scientific Advisershttps://www.gov.uk/government/groups/chief-scientific-advisers
  24. Government Science and Engineeringhttps://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/civil-service-government-science-engineering

Is this page useful?

Updated 2021-04-15