Occupational Dermatitis to Ultraviolet-Cured Acrylic-Based Inks in Computer Hard Disc Manufacturing

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Ultraviolet-cured acrylates and their various components and applications are reviewed in this report. METHODS: A 26-year-old woman involved in silk screening computer discs with ultraviolet-cured inks developed an acute allergic contact dermatitis on her hands and forearms. Patch testing revealed a number of strong reactions to epoxy resin and many multifunctional acrylates. RESULTS: The only one listed on the material safety data sheet to which she reacted was tripropyleneglycol diacrylate (TRPGDA). The other positive reactions likely represent cross-reactions. The positive reaction to epoxy is possibly relevant and attributable to nonhardened epoxy resin contaminant in the epoxy prepolymer. CONCLUSION: This case report shows a new application for ultraviolet-cured acrylate based inks in computer hard disc manufacturing.