Two cases of methyl alcohol intoxication by sub-chronic inhalation and dermal exposure during aluminum CNC cutting in a small-sized subcontracted factory

Abstract

BackgroundMethyl alcohol poisoning has been mainly reported in community. Two cases of methyl alcohol poisoning occurred in a small-sized subcontracted factory which manufactured smartphone parts in Korea.Case presentationOne young female patient presented with dyspnea and visual disturbance. Another young male patient presented with visual disturbance and myalgia. They treated with sodium bicarbonate infusion and hemodialysis for metabolic acidosis. In addition, he received ethyl alcohol per oral treatment. Her and his urinary methyl alcohol concentration was detected as 7.632 mg/L, 46.8 mg/L, respectively, although they were treated hemodialysis. Results of the working environment measurement showed that the concentration of methyl alcohol (1030.1–2220.5 ppm) in the air exceeded the time weighted average (200 ppm). They were diagnosed with optic neuropathy due to methyl alcohol poisoning and still have visual impairment.ConclusionsWorkers who hired as dispatched employees in a small-sized subcontracted factory were exposed to high concentrations of methyl alcohol. The workplace had poor ventilation system. In addition, workers did not wear proper personal protect equipment. Working environment measurement and annual chekups for workers were not performed. They were in a blind spot to occupational safety and health. More attention is needed to protect vulnerable workers’ health.

Toxic Effects of Methanol among Illegally Dispatched Workers at Aluminum CNC cutting process in Small-scale 3rd tier Subcontractor Factories of Smartphone Manufacturers in the Republic of Korea

“…According to work thorough and interviews by an occupational physician, dermal exposure in these CNC cutting factories was possible when working without proper protective clothes and gloves, especially during the task of dividing coolant usually performed by turns. Two workers of sub-chronic poisoning did not wear any protective gloves, clothes as well as respirators since those were not provided [8]. Exposure of one hand to liquid methanol for only 2 minutes would lead to the absorption of as much methanol as would be taken up by the lungs from an 8 hour exposure to an air concentration of 50 mg/m3 [20].…”

“…Two cases worked for several months at aluminum CNC cutting process in a small-scale 3rd tier subcontractor factory of large-scale smart-phone manufacturing companies [8]. An acute poisoning case who had worked just for several days at the same process in another company were found in a week after the first case reported.…”

Methanol-Induced Encephalopathy: a Case Report

“…The visual symptoms of methanol intoxication are thought to result from optic nerve necrosis or demyelination secondary to the myelinoclastic effect of formic acid (9). Occupational subchronic inhalation or dermal exposure is reported to mainly result in visual disturbances without an altered mental state (10). As little as one swallow of pure methanol can result in toxic encephalopathy, and its principal symptoms are diminished consciousness and seizure (8).…”

Metanol Zehirlenmesi: Olgu Sunumu

“…Metanol zehirlenmesi sıklıkla yasadışı yollarla üretilen içki-lerin oral alımıyla oluşmakla birlikte kazara ya da intihar amacıyla da içilebilir (1). Daha nadir olarak deri ya da inhalasyon yoluyla da metanol zehirlenmesi gelişebilir (2).…”