Vol 62, No 3 (2010)
Case report
Published online: 2010-12-06
Occupational poisoning by carbon monoxide aboard a gas carrier. Report on 8 cases
IMH 2010;62(3):176-179.
Abstract
Objectives
- To determine the accidental factors and the clinical symptoms in eight cases of occupational poisoning of port workers by carbon monoxide.
- To consider the primary prevention of this serious pathology occurring at work.
Methods
- To analyze the circumstances of the exposure to carbon monoxide in the employees in the naval repair sector.
- To indicate the systemic failures causing this accidental poisoning, the means for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, and to discuss the prevention of such accidents.
Results. The poisoning occurred in eight mechanics and electricians working without any protective means in a gas carrier tank in dry dock. The employees, unaware of carbon monoxide exposure, stayed for 45 minutes in an atmosphere polluted with carbon monoxide concentrations of over 500 ppm. The main complaints were of headache, muscular weakness, and drowsiness. No post-interval syndrome was found three weeks after poisoning. The levels of carboxyhaemoglobin varied from 1.8 to 31.2%. Early normal pressure oxygen therapy reduced the symptoms. No delayed syndrome was found three weeks after poisoning.
Conclusions. The inclusion of poisonous gas in gas-free certification, adherence to maritime harbour regulations, greater respect for working instructions in hazardous environments, and the use of detectors appropriate to the conditions for each ship would avoid exposure and decrease the risk of poisoning.
Keywords: carbon monoxide poisoningnaval occupational exposure to CO and H2Sgas carrier tank
References
- Verrier A, Corbeaux I, Lasalle JL. Les intoxications au monoxyde de carbone survenues en France métropolitaine en 2008 (French). BEH. 2008; 44(18): 425–428.
- Lauwerys R. Gaz et vapeurs irritants et asphyxiants (French). In: Lauwerys R. ed. Toxicologie industrielle et intoxications professionnelles quatri è m e édition. Masson, Paris 2003: 563–588.
- Chiron M. Intoxication oxycarbonée, intoxication par le gaz carbonique (French). Encycl Med Chir. 1996.
- CDC. Non fatal, unintentional, non-fire related carbon monoxide exposures-United States, 2004–2006. MMWR. 2008; 57(33): 896–899.
- INRS. Valeurs limites d’exposition professionnelle. Archives des Maladies Professionnelles et de l'Environnement. 2006; 67(3): 562–563.
- ACGIH. TLVs and BEIs. Threshold and physical agents. Biological exposure limits. Biological exposure limits, Cincinnati 2007.
- INRS.. Sulfure d’hydrog è n e (French). Fiche toxicologique. 1997: 32.
- R è gl e m e nt pour le transport et la manutention des marchandises dangereuses dans les ports maritimes. www.mer.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf RPM_consolide_28-01- -2008_clec8d2f-1.pdf (22.02.2008).
- Svedberg U, Samuelsson J, Melin S. Hazardous off-gassing of carbon monoxide and oxygen depletion during ocean transportation of wood pellets. Ann Occup Hyg. 2008; 52(4): 259–266.
