Angela
You say "paper dust". How is this occurring? From my experience with
laminating, the paper is placed between plastic sheets, so there should be
no significant exposure to dust.
There is a form of urticaria that is triggered by heat (cholinergic
urticaria). It is not an immune response but can appear very similar to
normal contact urticaria.
Where is the laminator located? Is the ventilation adequate? If not then
relocation to a more suitable environment should be considered.
Another possibility is that the heat from the lamination is driving off
chemicals in the paper. Some years ago there was a case of a worker doing
extensive photocopying. The copier was located in a small, poorly ventilated
room. The heat was driving off formaldehyde in the paper with the result
that she suffered an allergic reaction on her face.
You state that there are no known allergies. This does not mean that she
could not be allergic to something, but that this has never appeared before
or has never been clinically diagnosed. Patch testing might reveal a
previously non-existent or undetected allergy. However, I would be reluctant
at this stage to go for patch testing as there is always a risk of positive
sensitisation from the patch test itself.
Investigating a problem such as this is not as simple as many assume. If you
need more information get in touch direct.
Chris
EnviroDerm Services U.K. Ltd.
2 Amery Lodge Farm, North Littleton, Evesham, WR11 8QY, U.K.
Tel: 0044 1386 832 311
Dermatological Engineering for a healthier workplace
For more information about our support, services and technical aids, visit
our recently revised website: (www.enviroderm.co.uk)
For immediate help e-mail us at [log in to unmask] or phone on +44 1386
832 311
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