Acrylates

• Usually sensitization to several acrylates is present.
• Relevant occupational exposures: manufacture and processing of paints, varnishes, adhesives, plastics, manufacture and processing of dental prostheses (dental technicians), manufacture and processing of printing plates and printing inks and all activities involving handling of acrylic adhesives. The processing of cured acrylates usually does not cause any problems from an allergological point of view.
• Effect of an allergy: If there is an isolated contact allergy to a single acrylate, the effect of this allergy is considered "minor". However, if there is a sensitisation to several acrylates, the effect would be rather "moderate".
• The extent to which acrylates play a role in triggering systemic scleroderma remains unanswered at present.

Acrylates in cosmetics: Acrylates are a polymer of acrylic acid alkyl esters (C10-C30), acrylic acid, methacrylic acid and/or other alkyl acrylates. In cosmetic formulations they serve as thickeners to stabilize emulsions and gels and improve product stability and shelf life, especially when no emulsifiers are used.

1. Diepgen TL et al. (2005) Evidence-based assessment of the effect of type IV allergies in the reduction of earning capacity - assessment of occupational skin diseases. Dermatologist 56: 207-223
2. Diepgen TL et al (2002) Assessment of the effect of allergies in the reduction of earning capacity in the context of BK 5101 Part I: Acrylates/methacrylates, epoxy resin systems, formaldehyde, dichromate, rosin, latex, nickel, p-phenylenediamine. Dermatol Occupation Environment 50: 139-154