Impact of occupational contact allergy to methylisothiazolinone (MI), benzisothiazolinone (BIT) and/or octylisothiazolinone (OIT) in cases of occupational skin disease

Abstract

These recommendations help to assess the impact of an occupationally acquired contact allergy to methylisothiazolinone (MI), benzisothiazolinone (BIT) and/or octylisothiazolinone (OTT) on the reduction of the earning capacity in cases of occupational skin disease according to No. 5101 of the German list of occupational diseases. All of these isothiazolinones are most frequently used in paints and varnishes, and less frequently in printing inks and metalworking fluids. Additionally, MI and BIT serve as preservatives in cleaning agents, and MI in cosmetics and body care products. BIT and OIT are used in adhesives and as components of wood protection and anti-fouling products. Occupations concerned are producers of paints, varnishes and printing inks, painters, printers and metalworkers. Impact of an occupationally acquired sensitization to MI, BIT, and/or OIT typically is low, because patients are not inevitably excluded from all of the above mentioned occupational fields.