Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate in a modified acrylic structural adhesive

Acrylates have a broad area of application in various products including glues, sealants and adhesives. Whereas anaerobic acrylic sealants are well-known sensitizers, acrylate glues that cure in air have only seldom been reported as allergens. Here a patient sensitized to such a glue, and developing hand dermatitis that spread to the lower arms, chest, neck and face, is presented. Her glue was analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and contained 24.6% 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (2-HEMA) and 0.4% ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA). These 2 acrylate compounds, as well as her glue, provoked an allergic patch test reaction. Also many other acrylate compounds, e.g., tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate, gave an allergic reaction indicating cross-allergy. The patient could not continue in her previous workplace because of severely relapsing skin symptoms.