Occupational eczema from para-tertiary-butylphenol formaldehyde resins: a review of the sensitizing resins

The first case of allergy due to para-tertiary-butylphenol formaldehyde resins (PTBP resins) were found in 1958 in the shoe-making industry. These resins are found in certain neoprene adhesives. PTBP resin hypersensitivity may be due either to the para-tertiary-butylphenol, to the resin itself or less frequently to the formaldehyde. These resins may cause occupational allergy (in the automobile industry and chiefly in the shoe-making industry) and non-occupational allergy (footwear and clothing hypersensitivity). Patients allergic to PTBP resins have been found to show a cross-reaction to other resins such as Alresen PA 103, Schenectady SP 126 and Schenectady SP 154. The authors give a reference list of sensitizing neoprene adhesives and PTBP resins so that manufacturers can limit the use of these products as far as possible.