Two Cases of Methyl Bromide Poisoning in Termite Exterminators

Yamano, Yuko; Kagawa, Jun; Ishizu, Sumiko

doi:10.1539/joh.43.291

Cited by 7 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 6 publications

(1 reference statement)

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“…In recent years, the number of cases of acute poisoning in these occupations has decreased as a result of the rationalization of operations, improvements in the work environment, and more thorough education 4) . However, there are still sporadic cases of fumigation-related poisoning among farmers who fumigate the soil and pest exterminators, where guidance and supervision regarding the handling of fumigants are sometimes lacking 5,6,12,13) .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…After exposure, there is often a latent period before symptoms appear 4,8,20) . We have experienced cases in which the symptoms first appeared 1-3 d after exposure 5) . Case 1 complained of feeling sick after working for about 9 h, and his condition deteriorated about a day and a half later.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For this reason, it continues to be used in Japan. It is still frequently used, and poisoning accidents caused by its use are still common [4][5][6][7] .…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Three Occupationally Exposed Cases of Severe Methyl Bromide Poisoning: Accident Caused by a Gas Leak during the Fumigation of a Folklore Museum

Yamano¹,

Nakadate²

2006

Journal of Occupational Health

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Three Occupationally Exposed Cases of Severe Methyl Bromide Poisoning: Accident Caused by a Gas Leak during the Fumigation of a Folklore Museum

Yamano¹,

Nakadate²

2006

Journal of Occupational Health

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“…Recent reports of MeBr occupational exposure show a remarkably similar toxicity profile to the above 19th century case. In Japan, exposure of workers to termite fumigation 14,15 caused nausea, vomiting, dizziness, tremors and convulsions (one exposed worker died of heart failure). It soon became clear that the symptoms associated with acute exposure to MeBr fall into two distinct categories: local effects (e.g.…”

Section: Toxic Effects Of Mebr In Humans Following Occupational Exposurementioning

confidence: 99%

“…MeBr is thought to methylate glutathione (GSH) in vivo; indeed, this is an important facet of the mechanism of toxicity of MeBr 19,30. It is possible that the [ 14 C] molecule excreted in bile following [ 14 C]-MeBr administration is either [14…”

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confidence: 99%

The toxic chemistry of methyl bromide

Bulathsinghala

Shaw

2013

Hum Exp Toxicol

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Methyl bromide (MeBr) is a chemically reactive compound that has found use as a fire retardant and fumigant used for wood, soil, fruits and grains. Its use is banned in many countries because of its ozone-depleting properties. Despite this ban, the use of MeBr persists in some parts of the world (e.g. New Zealand) due to its important role in maintaining strict biosecurity of exported and imported products. Its high chemical reactivity leads to a broad toxicological profile ranging from acute respiratory toxicity following inhalation exposure, through carcinogenicity to neurotoxicty. In this article, we discuss the chemistry of MeBr in the context of its mechanisms of toxicity. The chemical reactivity of MeBr clearly underlies its toxicity. Bromine (Br) is electronegative and a good leaving group; the δ+ carbon thus facilitates electrophilic methylation of biological molecules including glutathione (GSH) via its δ− sulphur atom, leading to downstream effects due to GSH depletion. DNA alkylation, either directly by MeBr or indirectly due to reduction in GSH-mediated detoxification of reactive alkylating chemical species, might explain the carcinogenicity of MeBr. The neurotoxicity of MeBr is much more difficult to understand, but we speculate that methyl phosphates formed in cells might contribute to its neurone-specific toxicity via cholinesterase inhibition. Finally, evidence reviewed shows that it is unlikely for Br− liberated by the metabolism of MeBr to have any toxicological effect because the Br− dose is very low.

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Quantification of bromide ion in biological samples using headspace gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

Yamauchi

Nagashima

Okubo

et al. 2021

Journal of Occupational Health

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Objectives In this study, we aimed to establish a method for quantifying bromide ions (Br − ) in blood and urine using gas chromatograph‐mass spectrometer (GC‐MS) equipped with a headspace sampler, for biological monitoring of workers exposed to methyl bromide. Methods Samples were mixed with dimethyl sulfate, and Br − ions were detected using GC‐MS with a headspace sampler. The validity of the proposed method was evaluated based on most of the US FDA guidance. The values obtained were compared with reference values by analysis using Seronorm TM Trace Elements Whole Blood L‐1 RUO. Results The calibration curve showed good linearity in the Br − concentration range of 0.1−20.0 mg/L, and the coefficient of determination R 2 value was >.999. Intraday and interday accuracy values were 99.3%−103.1% and 97.4%−101.8%, respectively. The measured and reference values of Seronorm were concordant. Herein, eight urine and serum samples of workers were analyzed; the samples' Br − concentrations were known. The correlation coefficients of urine and serum samples were 0.97 and 0.96, respectively, and results were consistent. Conclusions This study established a simple and rapid method for the determination of Br − concentration in biological samples using GC‐MS with a headspace sampler. Moreover, it can be used for biological monitoring of occupational exposure to methyl bromide and for the determination of Br − concentration in a wide range of biological samples.

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Two Cases of Methyl Bromide Poisoning in Termite Exterminators

Cited by 7 publications

References 6 publications

Three Occupationally Exposed Cases of Severe Methyl Bromide Poisoning: Accident Caused by a Gas Leak during the Fumigation of a Folklore Museum

Three Occupationally Exposed Cases of Severe Methyl Bromide Poisoning: Accident Caused by a Gas Leak during the Fumigation of a Folklore Museum

The toxic chemistry of methyl bromide

Quantification of bromide ion in biological samples using headspace gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

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