Vol 63, No 3 (2012)
Original article
Submitted: 2013-02-18
Published online: 2012-11-06
Health effects due to fumigated freight containers and goods: how to detect, how to act
Alexandra M. Preisser, Lygia T. Budnik, Xaver Baur
Vol 63, No 3 (2012)
MARITIME MEDICINE Original article
Submitted: 2013-02-18
Published online: 2012-11-06
Abstract
Headache, concentration and memory disorders, dizziness and nausea, skin irritation, respiratory
distress, and muscle cramps — isolated or in various combinations — may be the result of
acute or chronic intoxication by fumigants. The occurrence of these symptoms in workers who
are engaged in the opening and unloading of containers, unpacking of imported goods, ventilating
of containers, or working on bulk carriers are urgent indications of intoxication by fumigants
or other toxic chemical residues in the transported goods. The severity of the disorder depends
on the concentration and duration of exposure, distribution and release of the fumigant, its
kinetics, the individual susceptibility of the person, as well as any simultaneous exposure to
other toxic substances. Physical symptoms, acute and chronic health effects due to contact with
fumigants, are complex and difficult to discover. In this article we explain how to identify the
guiding symptoms and describe the appropriate diagnostic steps and the prevention of such
events on cargo vessels as well as in the logistics and the handling of imported goods.
Abstract
Headache, concentration and memory disorders, dizziness and nausea, skin irritation, respiratory
distress, and muscle cramps — isolated or in various combinations — may be the result of
acute or chronic intoxication by fumigants. The occurrence of these symptoms in workers who
are engaged in the opening and unloading of containers, unpacking of imported goods, ventilating
of containers, or working on bulk carriers are urgent indications of intoxication by fumigants
or other toxic chemical residues in the transported goods. The severity of the disorder depends
on the concentration and duration of exposure, distribution and release of the fumigant, its
kinetics, the individual susceptibility of the person, as well as any simultaneous exposure to
other toxic substances. Physical symptoms, acute and chronic health effects due to contact with
fumigants, are complex and difficult to discover. In this article we explain how to identify the
guiding symptoms and describe the appropriate diagnostic steps and the prevention of such
events on cargo vessels as well as in the logistics and the handling of imported goods.
Keywords
fumigants; container turnover; occupational risk; health effects
Title
Health effects due to fumigated freight containers and goods: how to detect, how to act
Journal
International Maritime Health
Issue
Vol 63, No 3 (2012)
Article type
Original article
Pages
133-139
Published online
2012-11-06
Page views
944
Article views/downloads
2611
Bibliographic record
IMH 2012;63(3):133-139.
Keywords
fumigants
container turnover
occupational risk
health effects
Authors
Alexandra M. Preisser
Lygia T. Budnik
Xaver Baur