Objective Through investigating and analyzing a case of acute trichloromethane poisoning in one handicraft factory, to alert relevant enterprises and occupational health supervision agencies and put forward preventive measures to avoid similar poisoning accidents from happening again.
Methods Patients' information was collected using questionnaires, such as occupational history, medical history, and corresponding diagnosis and treatment for the current event. In addition, a field investigation on occupational health hazards was conducted in the reported workplaces.
Results The PC-TWA values of trichloromethane in the workplaces were 366.6-403.3 mg/3, up to 17.3-19.2 times of the relevant occupational exposure limit. All four patients were diagnosed with trichloromethane-related acute toxic liver disease:two were graded severe, one was moderate, and one was mild to the severity of clinic symptoms. After symptomatic treatment for one month, the patients were discharged from the hospital with improved liver functions and alleviated symptoms.
Conclusion The main cause of the poisoning accident lies in the employers' lack of awareness of potential hazards of trichloromethane and effective protective measures. Therefore, it is recommended that the local government and enterprises should strengthen toxic substance management and take effective protective measures to protect workers' health.
DownLoad: