Contact sensitization to benzisothiazolinone: IVDK‐data of the years 2002 to 2021

Background Benzisothiazolinone (BIT; CAS no. 2634‐33‐5) is used as a biocide in various products, including water‐based paints, metalworking fluids, and household products. In recent years, increasing sensitization rates have been observed in Europe. Objective To describe a time trend of sensitizati...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Contact dermatitis 2023-06, Vol.88 (6), p.446-455
Main Authors: Geier, Johannes, Brans, Richard, Weisshaar, Elke, Wagner, Nicola, Szliska, Christiane, Heratizadeh, Annice, Schubert, Steffen
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Allergens - adverse effects
benzisothiazolinone
CAS no. 2634‐33‐5
clinical epidemiology
contact allergy
contact dermatitis
Dermatitis, Allergic Contact - epidemiology
Dermatitis, Allergic Contact - etiology
Eczema
Household products
Humans
patch testing
Patch Tests - adverse effects
preservative
Retrospective Studies
tattoo
Thiazoles - adverse effects
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Summary:Background Benzisothiazolinone (BIT; CAS no. 2634‐33‐5) is used as a biocide in various products, including water‐based paints, metalworking fluids, and household products. In recent years, increasing sensitization rates have been observed in Europe. Objective To describe a time trend of sensitization to BIT, analyse concomitant reactions, and identify patients with increased risk of BIT sensitization. Methods Retrospective analysis of data from 26 739 patients patch tested with BIT, sodium salt, 0.1% petrolatum as part of several special test series within the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK), 2002 to 2021. Results Positive reactions to BIT were noted in 771 patients (2.9%). Sensitization frequency varied over time and increased in recent years, peaking at 6.5% in 2020. Painters and metalworkers handling metalworking fluids, but not cleaners, had a significantly increased risk of BIT sensitization. From our data, there is no evidence of immunological cross‐reactivity between BIT and other isothiazolinones. Conclusion The increasing frequency of sensitization justifies adding BIT to the baseline series. More research on the clinical relevance of positive patch test reactions to BIT and the cause for the rising numbers of BIT sensitization is needed. IDVK, 2002 to 2001: positive reactions to benzisothiazolinone (BIT), sodium salt, 0.1% pet. in 26739 patients.
ISSN:0105-1873
1600-0536
DOI:10.1111/cod.14300