ABSTRACT
Ultraviolet-curing (UV) and electron-beam-curing (EB) acrylates are widely used in many industrial applications. The technical and economic advantages of this technology are increasingly recognized, and therefore the industrial use of these acrylates is rapidly growing, both in the number of applications and in tonnage.1 A key element in the success of UV/EB-curing acrylates is that these are highly reactive molecules. This, however, has dermatological consequences, as these acrylates may react with biomolecules in the skin, as well. This sometimes results in occupational dermatological disorders, mainly irritant contact dermatitis (ICD)2-5 and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD).6-9 Adequate industrial hygiene should therefore be ensured in every industrial use of UV/EB-curing acrylates. This should be integrated in proper risk assessment as well as management. Personal protection is an important element in industrial hygiene. Protective gloves are necessary whenever workers handling products containing UV/EBcuring acrylates may be exposed to skin contact. Guidelines for the selection of adequate protective gloves for various types of occupational industrial exposure situations are discussed.
