Skin lesions due to exposure to methyl bromide

Hezemans-Boer, M.

doi:10.1001/archderm.124.6.917

Cited by 11 publications

(6 citation statements)

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“…Jordi (1953) described three cases of systemic poisoning, including one fatal case, which were considered to be induced via dermal absorption of methyl bromide. Hezemans-Boer et al (1988) described a case report of six patients occupationally exposed to methyl bromide gas during a structural fumigation procedure. The workers were described as wearing “adequate airway protection” preventing inhalational exposure, but within a few hours of exposure developed blistering skin lesions and showed plasma bromide levels strongly suggesting percutaneous absorption of methyl bromide according to the authors.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dermal absorption of fumigant gases during HAZMAT incident exposure scenarios—Methyl bromide, sulfuryl fluoride, and chloropicrin

et al. 2017

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Accidental or intentional releases of toxic gases or vapors are the most common occurrence in hazardous material (HAZMAT) incidents that result in human injuries. The most serious hazard from exposure to gases or vapors is via the respiratory system. Dermal uptake, as a secondary route, is still a concern, most acutely for the unprotected public. There is a limited evidence base describing skin absorption of toxic gases and vapors in HAZMAT exposure scenarios, which are relatively brief compared with traditional test periods for skin absorption studies. We describe research designed to provide experimental data to support decision-making by first responders regarding skin decontamination in HAZMAT-focused exposure scenarios involving toxic gases. We present findings for three common fumigants, methyl bromide, sulfuryl fluoride, and chloropicrin assessed using an Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development in vitro toxicology protocol utilizing human skin and gas/vapor exposures. Results indicate that for atmospheric concentrations that would be lethal via inhalation (LCLo), intact skin provides an excellent barrier to exposures up to 30 min, with little influence of common clothing fabric and high temperature and humidity conditions. The findings may challenge the current HAZMAT dogma requiring mass personal decontamination by strip and shower for short-term exposures to sulfuryl fluoride and chloropicrin gas/vapor.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dermal absorption of fumigant gases during HAZMAT incident exposure scenarios—Methyl bromide, sulfuryl fluoride, and chloropicrin

et al. 2017

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“…However, such reactions most commonly occur in instances of direct contact during occupational fumigation and are usually present in the axillae and on the groin and abdomen. 6 Finally, formal identification of the wood was not performed in this case, leading to the possibility of misidentification. As there is a growing demand for exotic wood pieces, it is important for clinicians to be aware of potential reactions upon contact with these woods.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Allergic contact dermatitis following occupational exposure to various exotic and domestic woods

et al. 2019

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“…9 Furthermore, occupational exposure to methyl bromide and sulfuryl fluoride during fumigation activities have reportedly resulted in worker poisonings, in some cases specifically by the dermal route. 20,21 More work is needed to better characterize the typical exposures encountered during fumigation using cyanogen in order to make relative in-use comparisons with other common fumigants.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Cyanogen gas, a dimer of cyanide, breaks down in aqueous solution into cyanide ion and cyanate ions. 20 The toxicology profile for cyanide, prepared by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry 22 states the rate of the breakdown is dependent upon pH and is faster in basic media than in acidic media. 23 The natural skin surface pH is variable, but reported to be in the acidic range of 4.0 to 7.0, and on average below 5.0.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Is the skin an important exposure route for workers during cyanogen fumigation?

Gaskin

Thredgold

Pisaniello

et al. 2019

Pest Management Science

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BACKGROUND Cyanogen is a toxic flammable gas used as a fumigant in numerous industries. Occupational exposure to cyanogen can occur during its production and use. The most serious human health risk from exposure to cyanogen is via the respiratory system. However, there is also potential for skin exposure in many workplace situations. The extent of skin absorption under occupational exposure scenarios has not been directly assessed. Understanding skin uptake potential may inform risk assessment and exposure control measures. RESULTS We describe an in vitro experimental system using human epidermis and dynamic atmosphere exposure to cyanogen to mimic potential workplace exposures. The influence of clothing and ventilation on skin permeation outcomes were also assessed. No evidence of transdermal permeation was found at 100 or 1000 ppm exposures, while permeation of 0.99 ± 0.38 μg cm−2 was observed after 60 min exposure to 10 000 ppm. Fabric on skin and skin ventilation had no additional influence on transdermal permeation compared with naked skin, but fabric provided a reservoir for potential secondary exposures. CONCLUSION Results show dermal uptake following cyanogen exposure is possible, but only at very high atmospheric concentrations (10 000 ppm after >15 min exposure). Importantly, this could have implications for fumigant applicators who may only be wearing personal respiratory protection. These empirical data may be used in conjunction with other relevant toxicological information in determining whether a Skin Notation is warranted for Workplace Exposure Standard setting. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry

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Skin lesions due to exposure to methyl bromide

Cited by 11 publications

References 0 publications

Dermal absorption of fumigant gases during HAZMAT incident exposure scenarios—Methyl bromide, sulfuryl fluoride, and chloropicrin

Dermal absorption of fumigant gases during HAZMAT incident exposure scenarios—Methyl bromide, sulfuryl fluoride, and chloropicrin

Allergic contact dermatitis following occupational exposure to various exotic and domestic woods

Is the skin an important exposure route for workers during cyanogen fumigation?

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