Trichloroethylene (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Occupational Trichloroethylene (TCE) poisoning

An occupational Trichloroethylene (TCE) poisoning is a solvent poisoning condition caused by excessive exposure to Trichloroethylene resulting in respiratory,heart,gastrointestinal, skin and mucosal symptoms.
Trichloroethylene (TCE) poisoning occurs when workers are exposed to it due to ingestion by accident. Poisoning can occur when the Trichloroethylene (TCE) is absorbed into the body by inhalation or skin contact and mucosal contact.

What are the Signs and symptoms of occupational Trichloroethylene (TCE) poisoning?
Acute Trichloroethylene (TCE) exposure at high levels can cause sudden onset of skin rash, pneumonitis, giddiness, confusion, headache, convulsions and coma.

Acute presentation of Trichloroethylene (TCE) poisoning are:
Neurological:
1.excitement
2.giddiness
3.euphoria
followed by
1.depression
2.headache
3.nausea
4.drowsiness
5.coma

Skin and mucosa:
1.skin rash and itch
2.eye irritation
3.nose irritation

Respiratory:
1.chemical pneumonitis
2.respiratory failure

Cardiovascular:
1.arrhythmia
2.cardiac arrest

Chronic presentation of Trichloroethylene (TCE) poisoning are:
Neurological:
1.headache
2.irritability
3.fatigue
4.insomnia

Renal:
1.renal tubular damage
2.proteinuria

Skin
1.dermatitis
2.rash

GIT:
1.liver dysfunction
2.hepatitis

General:
severe allergic reaction leading to Stevens Johnson syndrome with fever , rash and jaundice with 2-3 weeks of exposure.

Diagnostic Criteria of Work relatedness:
A good occupational history of work exposure to Trichloroethylene (TCE) is important in diagnosing work place Trichloroethylene (TCE) poisoning.
Supporting workplace monitoring and reports will provide more evidence to determine the diagnosis of work related Trichloroethylene (TCE) poisoning.

Investigation to establish work relationship to Trichloroethylene (TCE) poisoning:

Get an occupational history to establish if the worker is exposed to  Trichloroethylene (TCE) during:
1.degreasing of metal parts in metal, electronic, automobile, aircrafts and ships industries
2.removal of paints from contaminated parts
3.wood and furniture industry
4.farming
5.gardening

Correlate workplace monitoring and reports of Trichloroethylene (TCE) poisoning cases will provide more evidence to determine the diagnosis of work related Trichloroethylene (TCE) poisoning.

Management:

1.Treatment of all workers with abnormal blood Trichloroethylene (TCE) results and the blood tests repeated after every 3 months until results are normal.

2.All workers with Trichloroethylene (TCE) poisoning should be reassigned to another area without exposure to Trichloroethylene (TCE).

3.Some workers with severe signs of Trichloroethylene (TCE) poisoning may required hospitalization.

4.maintain good personal hygiene , wear personal protective equipment and  practice good work practices to prevent contact and  inhalation of toxic agent.

5.Avoid smoking and eating with hands at workplaces which may be exposed to Trichloroethylene (TCE).

6.Put in place control measures to reduce exposure to Trichloroethylene (TCE)

7.Education of workers of the dangers of Trichloroethylene (TCE) poisoning and how to reduce exposure.

8.follow up on cases to monitor disease and whether the patient need hospitalization

Occupational

Pyrethrum poisoning

An occupational Pyrethrum poisoning is a pesticide poisoning condition caused by excessive exposure to Pyrethrum resulting in respiratory, gastrointestinal, skin symptoms.
Pyrethrum poisoning occurs when workers are exposed to it due to ingestion by accident. Poisoning can occur when the Pyrethrum is absorbed into the body by inhalation or skin contact and mucosal contact.
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What are the Signs and symptoms of occupational Pyrethrum poisoning?
Acute Pyrethrum exposure at high levels can cause sudden onset of skin rash, giddiness, confusion, headache, convulsions and coma.
Pyrethrum and pyrethoid insecticides are:
1.Deltamethrin
2.Permethrin
3.Cypermethrin
These are used commonly to kill insects and plant eating pests.

Acute presentation of Pyrethrum poisoning are:
Neurological:
1.Mild
a. weakness
b. paresthesia
c. giddiness
2.Severe
a. headache
d. confusion
e. convulsion
f. coma

Skin:
1.skin rash and itch
2.allergic contact dermatitis
3.vehicles
4.papules

Respiratory:
1.asthma
2.allergic rhinitis
3.sore throat
4.sinusitis

Diagnostic Criteria of Work relatedness:
A good occupational history of work exposure to Pyrethrum is important in diagnosing work place Pyrethrum poisoning.
Supporting workplace monitoring and reports will provide more evidence to determine the diagnosis of work related Pyrethrum poisoning.

Investigation to establish work relationship to Pyrethrum poisoning:

Get an occupational history to establish if the worker is exposed to inorganic Pyrethrum during:
1.manufacture and use of pesticides
2.Pest control in agriculture use
3.Crop management
4.farming
5.gardening

Correlate workplace monitoring and reports of Pyrethrum poisoning cases will provide more evidence to determine the diagnosis of work related Pyrethrum poisoning.

Management:

1.Treatment of all workers with abnormal blood pyrethrum results and the blood tests repeated after every 3 months until results are normal.

2.All workers with Pyrethrum poisoning should be reassigned to another area without exposure to Pyrethrum.

3.Some workers with severe signs of Pyrethrum poisoning may required hospitalization.

4.maintain good personal hygiene , wear personal protective equipment and  practice good work practices to prevent contact and  inhalation of toxic agent.

5.Avoid smoking and eating with hands at workplaces which may be exposed to Pyrethrum.

6.Put in place control measures to reduce exposure to Pyrethrum

7.Education of workers of the dangers of Pyrethrum poisoning and how to reduce exposure.

8.follow up on cases to monitor disease and whether the patient need hospitalization

Occupational Carbamate poisoning

Ball-and-stick model of the carbamate ion, the conjugate base of carbamic acid. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

An occupational Carbamate poisoning is a pesticide poisoning condition caused by excessive exposure to Carbamate resulting in respiratory, gastrointestinal, skin and eye symptoms.
Carbamate poisoning occurs when workers are exposed to it due to ingestion by accident. Poisoning can occur when the Carbamate is absorbed into the body by inhalation or skin contact and mucosal contact.
White Carbamate is the most toxic.

What are the Signs and symptoms of occupational Carbamate poisoning?
Acute Carbamate exposure at high levels can cause sudden onset of weakness, confusion, diarrhea, vomiting, convulsions and coma.
Examples of Carbamates are:
1.Carbaryl
2.Carbofuran
3.Aldicarb
4.Propoxur
These are used commonly to kill insects and plant eating pests.

Acute presentation of Carbamate poisoning are self limiting and resolves within a few hours of stopping exposure:
Neurological:
1.cholinergic symptoms of
a. Diarrhea, Diaphoresis,
b. Urination frequency,
c. Miosis (narrowing of pupils),
d. Bradycardia (slowing of heat beats),
e. Bronchoconstiction,
f. Emesis (vomiting),
g. Lacrimation (excessive tears from eyes),
h. Salivation and sweating.

2.Others
a. weakness
b. tremors
c. myoclonus
d. confusion
e. convulsion
f. coma

Intermediate syndrome (occuring 24-96 hours after exposure and lasting 1 to 2 weeks):
1.general weakness
2.respiratory failure

Chronic presentation of Carbamate poisoning are:
Neurological (occurs 1-5 weeks after exposure):
1.distal sensory neuropathy
2.motor neuropathy

Behavioral:
1.reduced fine motor coordination
2.slowed reaction time

Psychiatric:
1.apathy
2.irritable
3.depressed memory

Diagnostic Criteria of Work relatedness:
A good occupational history of work exposure to Carbamate is important in diagnosing work place Carbamate poisoning.
Supporting workplace monitoring and reports will provide more evidence to determine the diagnosis of work related Carbamate poisoning.

Investigation to establish work relationship to Carbamate poisoning:

Get an occupational history to establish if the worker is exposed to inorganic Carbamate during:
1.manufacture and use of pesticides
2.Pest control
3.Crop management
4.farming
5.gardening

Blood tests should be done early:
1.red blood cells cholinesterase level
2.plasma cholinesterase

Correlate workplace monitoring and reports of Carbamate poisoning cases will provide more evidence to determine the diagnosis of work related Carbamate poisoning.

Management:

1.Treatment of all workers with abnormal blood cholinesterase results and the blood tests repeated after every 3 months until results are normal.

2.All workers with Carbamate poisoning should be reassigned to another area without exposure to Carbamate.

3.Some workers with severe signs of Carbamate poisoning may required hospitalization.

4.maintain good personal hygiene , wear personal protective equipment and  practice good work practices to prevent contact and  inhalation of toxic agent.

5.Avoid smoking and eating with hands at workplaces which may be exposed to Carbamate.

6.Put in place control measures to reduce exposure to Carbamate

7.Education of workers of the dangers of Carbamate poisoning and how to reduce exposure.

8.follow up on cases to monitor disease and whether the patient need hospitalization

Occupational Benzene poisoning

Image showing a bottle of Benzene (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

An occupational Benzene poisoning is a toxic solvent poisoning condition caused by excessive exposure to Benzene resulting in neurological, respiratory and heart symptoms.
Benzene poisoning occurs when workers are exposed to it due to inhalation or ingestion by accident. Benzene is volatile and poisoning can occur when the Benzene is absorbed into the body by inhalation or skin contact.

What are the Signs and symptoms of occupational Benzene poisoning?
Acute Benzene exposure at high levels can cause sudden onset of respiratory and neurological symptoms such as cough, breathlessness, nausea, vomiting or palpitations.
The appearance of occupational Benzene poisoning may be divided into Benzene poisoning
Acute presentation of Benzene poisoning:
Neurological:
1.nausea
2.vomiting
3.giddiness
4.headache
5.slurred speech
6.disorientation
7.convulsions
8.unconsciousness

Respiratory:
1.breathless
2.cough
3.sore throat
4.nose drips

Cardiovascular:
palpitation

Skin:
rashes

Long time exposure to Benzene may cause symptoms:
Neurological:
1.motor and sensory damage
2.impaired vision
3.fatigue
4.impaired sleep
5.slow mental changes such as learning problems

Blood marrow:
1.aplastic anemia
2.leucopenia
3.thrombopenia
4.pancytopenia

Skin:
1.dry scaly rash
2.erythema
3.blisters

Carcinogenic:
leukemia

Diagnostic Criteria of Work relatedness:
A good occupational history of work exposure to Benzene is important in diagnosing work place Benzene poisoning.

Supporting workplace monitoring and reports will provide more evidence to determine the diagnosis of work related Benzene poisoning.

Investigation to establish work relationship to Benzene poisoning:

Get an occupational history to establish if the worker is exposed to Benzene during:
1.manufacture of petrochemical products
2.petroleum refineries
3.manufacture of plastics,synthetic fibers, dtergents,synthetic resins
4.work involving handling of fuels containing benzene such petrol stations, airport terminals, car workshops
5 laboratory using benzene in analysis
6.bulk storage of chemicals containing benzene

Management:

1.Treatment of all workers with abnormal blood Benzene results and the blood tests repeated after every 3 months until results are normal.

2.All workers with Benzene poisoning should be reassigned to another area without exposure to Benzene.

3.Some workers with severe signs of Benzene poisoning may required hospitalization.

4.maintain good personal hygiene , wear personal protective equipment and  practice good work practices to prevent inhalation of toxic agent.

5.Avoid smoking and eating with hands at workplaces which may be exposed to Benzene.

6.Put in place control measures to reduce exposure to Benzene

7.Education of workers of the dangers of Benzene poisoning and how to reduce exposure.

8.follow up on cases to monitor disease and whether the patient need hospitalization

ORGANOPHOSPHATE POISONING?

Chemical structure of an organophosphate (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Occupational Organophosphate poisoning

An occupational Organophosphate poisoning is a pesticites poisoning condition caused by excessive exposure to Organophosphate resulting in respiratory, gastrointestinal, skin and eye symptoms.
Organophosphate poisoning occurs when workers are exposed to it due to ingestion by accident. Poisoning can occur when the Organophosphate is absorbed into the body by inhalation or skin contact and mucosal contact.

What are the Signs and symptoms of occupational Organophosphate poisoning?
Acute Organophosphate exposure at high levels can cause sudden onset of weakness, confusion, diarrhea, vomiting, convulsions and coma.

Examples of organophosphates are:
1.Malathion
2.Parathion
3.Dichlorvos
4.Dimethoate
5.DDVP (Dimethyl Dichlorovinyl Phosphate)
These are used commonly to kill insects and plant eating pests.

Acute presentation of Organophosphate poisoning are:
Neurological:
1.cholinergic symptoms (DUMBBELS)of
a. Diarrhea, Diaphoresis,
b. Urination frequency,
c. Miosis (narrowing of pupils),
d. Bradycardia (slowing of heat beats),
e. Bronchoconstiction,
f. Emesis (vomiting),
g. Lacrimation (excessive tears from eyes),
h. Salivation and sweating.

2.Others
a. weakness
b. tremors
c. myoclonus
d. confusion
e. convulsion
f. coma

Intermediate syndrome (occuring 24-96 hours after exposure and lasting 1 to 2 weeks):
1.general weakness
2.respiratory failure

Chronic presentation of Organophosphate poisoning are:
Neurological (occurs 1-5 weeks after exposure):
1.distal sensory neuropathy
2.motor neuropathy

Behavioral:
1.reduced fine motor coordination
2.slowed reaction time

Psychiatric:
1.apathy
2.irritable
3.depressed memory

Diagnostic Criteria of Work relatedness:
A good occupational history of work exposure to Organophosphate is important in diagnosing work place Organophosphate poisoning.
Supporting workplace monitoring and reports will provide more evidence to determine the diagnosis of work related Organophosphate poisoning.

Investigation to establish work relationship to Organophosphate poisoning:

Get an occupational history to establish if the worker is exposed to inorganic Organophosphate during:
1.manufacture and use of pesticides
2.Pest control
3.Crop management
4.farming
5.gardening

Blood tests should be done:
1.red blood cells cholinesterase level
2.plasma cholinesterase
3.ECG
4.EMG
5.Chest x-rays

Correlate workplace monitoring and reports of Organophosphate poisoning cases will provide more evidence to determine the diagnosis of work related Organophosphate poisoning.

Management:

1.Treatment of all workers with abnormal blood cholinesterase results and the blood tests repeated after every 3 months until results are normal.

2.All workers with Organophosphate poisoning should be reassigned to another area without exposure to Organophosphate.

3.Some workers with severe signs of Organophosphate poisoning may required hospitalization.

4.maintain good personal hygiene , wear personal protective equipment and  practice good work practices to prevent contact and  inhalation of toxic agent.

5.Avoid smoking and eating with hands at workplaces which may be exposed to Organophosphate.

6.Put in place control measures to reduce exposure to Organophosphate

7.Education of workers of the dangers of Organophosphate poisoning and how to reduce exposure.

8.follow up on cases to monitor disease and whether the patient need hospitalization

Occupational Phosphorus poisoning

A chunk of white phosphorus in water (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

An occupational Phosphorus poisoning is a toxic metal poisoning condition caused by excessive exposure to Phosphorus resulting in respiratory, gastrointestinal, skin and eye symptoms.
Phosphorus poisoning occurs when workers are exposed to it due to accidental contacts. Poisoning can occur when the Phosphorus is absorbed into the body by inhalation or skin contact and mucosal contact.
White Phosphorus is the most toxic.

What are the Signs and symptoms of occupational Phosphorus poisoning?
Acute Phosphorus exposure at high levels can cause sudden onset of breathlessness, eye irritation and abdominal pain.
Acute presentation of Phosphorus poisoning are:
1.GIT symptoms of abdominal pain, sweating and weakness following accidental ingestion
2.Lung inflammation with acute pneumonitis and breathlessness
3.skin burns which are necrotic , florescent under ultra-violet light and have a garlic like smell.
4.Severe irritation of eyes, throat and mucosa.
5.acute renal necrosis and failure
6.acute liver necrosis

Chronic presentation of Phosphorus poisoning are:
Respiratory:
chronic lung inflammation (pneumonitis)

Renal:
kidney damage and failure with fits and coma

Bone:
bone damage with necrosis of the jaws also known as phossy jaws and subsequent face distortion

Blood:
1.anemia
2.leucopenia

Diagnostic Criteria of Work relatedness:
A good occupational history of work exposure to Phosphorus is important in diagnosing work place Phosphorus poisoning.
Supporting workplace monitoring and reports will provide more evidence to determine the diagnosis of work related Phosphorus poisoning.

Investigation to establish work relationship to Phosphorus poisoning:

Get an occupational history to establish if the worker is exposed to inorganic Phosphorus during:
1.manufacture of heads of strike matches, explosives, pyrotechnics, smoke bombs and screens
2.manufacture of fertilizers containing phosphoric acid and phosphates
3.manufacture and use of pesticides and rodenticides
4.manufacture of special glass in sodium lamps
5.manufacture of food addictive
6.manufacture of toothpaste

Correlate workplace monitoring and reports of Phosphorus poisoning cases will provide more evidence to determine the diagnosis of work related Phosphorus poisoning.

Management:

1.Treatment of all workers with abnormal blood Phosphorus results and the blood tests repeated after every 3 months until results are normal.

2.All workers with Phosphorus poisoning should be reassigned to another area without exposure to Phosphorus.

3.Some workers with severe signs of Phosphorus poisoning may required hospitalization.

4.maintain good personal hygiene , wear personal protective equipment and  practice good work practices to prevent contact and  inhalation of toxic agent.

5.Avoid smoking and eating with hands at workplaces which may be exposed to Phosphorus.

6.Put in place control measures to reduce exposure to Phosphorus

7.Education of workers of the dangers of Phosphorus poisoning and how to reduce exposure.

8.follow up on cases to monitor disease and whether the patient need hospitalization

Occupational Cadmium poisoning

Cadmium. http://resourcescommittee.house.gov/subcommittees/emr/usgsweb/photogallery/ (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

An occupational Cadmium poisoning is a toxic metal poisoning condition caused by excessive exposure to Cadmium resulting in respiratory and eye symptoms.
Cadmium poisoning occurs when workers are exposed to it due to accidents. Poisoning can occur when the Cadmium is absorbed into the body by inhalation or skin contact and mucosal contact.

What are the Signs and symptoms of occupational Cadmium poisoning?
Acute Cadmium exposure at high levels can cause sudden onset of breathlessness, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
Acute presentation of Cadmium poisoning are:
1.GIT symptoms of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, following accidental ingestion
2.Lung inflammation with acute pulmonary edema within 24 hours
3.acute renal failure
4.metal fumes fever with influenza symptoms,weakness,fever,headache ,chills, sweating and muscle aches

Chronic presentation of Cadmium poisoning are:
Respiratory:
1.chronic lung inflammation (pneumonitis)
2.cancer of lungs

Renal:
1.tubular or glomerular damage
2.proteinuria,amino aciduria, albuminuria
3.glycosuria
4.reduced creatinine clearance

Bone:
1.osteomalacia
2.osteoporosis
3.fractures

General:
1.anemia
2.teeth discoloration
3.anosmia

Diagnostic Criteria of Work relatedness:
A good occupational history of work exposure to Cadmium is important in diagnosing work place Cadmium poisoning.
Supporting workplace monitoring and reports will provide more evidence to determine the diagnosis of work related Cadmium poisoning.

Investigation to establish work relationship to Cadmium poisoning:

Get an occupational history to establish if the worker is exposed to inorganic Cadmium during:
1.manufacture of cadmium-nickel batteries
2.manufacture of jewellery
3.manufacture and use of fungicides and pigments
4.repair and finishing in the automobile and aerospace industry especially of landing gear with cadmium coatinge
6.Iron and steel industry
7.Cadmium ekectroplating
8.Silver brazing,welding and soldering operations with Cadmium containing fillers
9.Plastic industry especially with PVC compounding
10.spray painting and removal of paints which contain cadmium
11.Waste treatment
12.smelting and refining of zinc, lead or copper ores

Correlate workplace monitoring and reports of Cadmium poisoning cases will provide more evidence to determine the diagnosis of work related Cadmium poisoning.

Management:

1.Treatment of all workers with abnormal blood Cadmium results should be done and the blood tests repeated after every 3 months until results are normal

2.All workers with Cadmium poisoning should be reassigned to another area without exposure to Cadmium.

3.Some workers with severe signs of Cadmium poisoning may required hospitalization.

4.maintain good personal hygiene , wear personal protective equipment and  practice good work practices to prevent contact and  inhalation of toxic agent.

5.Avoid smoking and eating at workplaces which may be exposed to Cadmium.

6.Put in place control measures to reduce exposure to Cadmium

7.Education of workers of the dangers of Cadmium poisoning and how to reduce exposure.

8.follow up on cases to monitor disease and whether the patient need hospitalization

Manganese ore (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Occupational Manganese poisoning
An occupational Manganese poisoning is a toxic metal poisoning condition caused by excessive exposure to Manganese resulting in respiratory and eye symptoms.
Manganese poisoning occurs when workers are exposed to it due to accidents. Poisoning can occur when the Manganese is absorbed into the body by inhalation or skin contact and mucosal contact.

What are the Signs and symptoms of occupational Manganese poisoning?

Acute Manganese exposure at high levels can cause sudden onset of eye irritation and cough.
Acute presentation of Manganese poisoning are:
1.eye irritation(conjunctivitis)
2.Lung inflammation(acute chemical pneumonitis, cough, irritation of throat)
3.mucosal irritation (mouth ulcers)
4.metal fumes fever with influenza symptoms, weakness, fever, headache , chills, sweating and muscle aches

Chronic presentation of Manganese poisoning are:
Respiratory:
1.chronic lung inflammation (pneumonitis)
2.bronchitis

Neurological:
1.pyschomotor disorders
2.speech disorders
3.gait disorders
4.manic depression
5.parkinson’s disease

Diagnostic Criteria of Work relatedness:
A good occupational history of work exposure to Manganese is important in diagnosing work place Manganese poisoning.
Supporting workplace monitoring and reports will provide more evidence to determine the diagnosis of work related Manganese poisoning.

Investigation to establish work relationship to Manganese poisoning:

Get an occupational history to establish if the worker is exposed to inorganic Manganese during:
1.manufacture of dry cell batteries (manganese dioxide)
2.manufacture of potassium permanganate
3.manufacture of matches and fireworks
4.manufacture of paints, inks, dyes,varnishes, fertilizers, feed addictive , bleaching agents, glass, ceramics, disinfectants
5.milling of manganese ore
6.Iron and steel industry
7.Manganese electroplating
8.welding operations with manganese coated rods

Correlate workplace monitoring and reports of Manganese poisoning cases will provide more evidence to determine the diagnosis of work related Manganese poisoning.

Management:

1.Treatment of all workers with abnormal blood Manganese results should be done and the blood tests repeated after every 3 months until results are normal

2.All workers with Manganese poisoning should be reassigned to another area without exposure to Manganese.

3.Some workers with severe signs of Manganese poisoning may required hospitalization.

4.maintain good personal hygiene , wear personal protective equipment and  practice good work practices to prevent contact and  inhalation of toxic agent.

5.Avoid smoking and eating at workplaces which may be exposed to Manganese.

6.Put in place control measures to reduce exposure to Manganese

7.Education of workers of the dangers of Manganese poisoning and how to reduce exposure.

8.follow up on cases to monitor disease and whether the patient need hospitalization

DOC WHAT IS OCCUPATIONAL BERYLLIUM POISONING?

Occupational Beryllium poisoning

Beryllium nuggets (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

An occupational Beryllium poisoning is a toxic metal poisoning condition caused by excessive exposure to Beryllium resulting in respiratory and eye symptoms.
Beryllium poisoning occurs when workers are exposed to it due to accidents. Poisoning can occur when the Beryllium is absorbed into the body by inhalation or skin contact and mucosal contact.

What are the Signs and symptoms of occupational Beryllium poisoning?
Acute Beryllium exposure at high levels can cause sudden onset of eye irritation and skin rashes.
Acute presentation of Beryllium poisoning are:
1.eye irritation(conjunctivitis)
2.Lung inflammation(acute chemical pneumonitis)
3.skin irritation (papular vesicular dermatitis)

Chronic presentation of inorganic Beryllium poisoning are:
Respiratory:
1.chronic lung inflammation (pneumonitis) with granuloma formation
2.cancer of the lung

Skin:
chronic granulomatous lesions

Diagnostic Criteria of Work relatedness:
A good occupational history of work exposure to Beryllium is important in diagnosing work place Beryllium poisoning.
Supporting workplace monitoring and reports will provide more evidence to determine the diagnosis of work related Beryllium poisoning.

Investigation to establish work relationship to Beryllium poisoning:

Get an occupational history to establish if the worker is exposed to inorganic Beryllium during:
1.manufacture, fabrication and reclaiming of Beryllium and its alloys in aircraft parts,  automobiles, computers, sports equipment, dental bridges and mirrors.

Correlate workplace monitoring and reports of Beryllium posioning cases will provide more evidence to determine the diagnosis of work related Beryllium poisoning.

Management:

1.Treatment of all workers with abnormal blood Beryllium results should be done and the blood tests repeated after every 3 months until results are normal

2.All workers with Beryllium poisoning should be reassigned to another area without exposure to Beryllium.

3.Some workers with severe signs of Beryllium poisoning may required hospitalization.

4.maintain good personal hygiene , wear personal protective equipment and  practice good work practices to prevent contact and  inhalation of toxic agent.

5.Avoid smoking and eating at workplaces which may be exposed to Beryllium.

6.Put in place control measures to reduce exposure to Beryllium

7.Education of workers of the dangers of Beryllium poisoning and how to reduce exposure.

8.follow up on cases to monitor disease and whether the patient need hospitalization

Occupational Mercury poisoning

Picture I took of a small puddle of the element mercury. Releasing to the public domain. This mercury is in the process of being disposed of properly, so none of it will end up in a landfill. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

An occupational Mercury poisoning is a toxic metal poisoning condition caused by excessive exposure to Mercury resulting in respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and renal symptoms.
Mercury poisoning occurs when workers are exposed to it due to accidents. Poisoning can occur when the Mercury is absorbed into the body by inhalation(organic) or skin contact and mucosal contact(inorganic).

What are the Signs and symptoms of occupational Mercury poisoning?
Acute Mercury exposure at high levels can cause sudden onset of gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain or muscle pain.
The appearance of occupational Mercury poisoning may be divided into inorganic  and organic Mercury poisoning
Acute presentation of inorganic and organic Mercury poisoning are the same
1.GIT irritation
2.Lung inflammation
3.Circulatory collapse
4.acute renal failure

Chronic presentation of inorganic Mercury poisoning are:
GIT:
1.nausea
2.metallic taste in the mouth
3.burning sensation in mouth,
4.gingivitis
5.loose teeth
6.stomatitis
7.excessive salivation

Neurological:
1.headache
2.tremors
3.weakness,fatigue
4.depression

Renal:
1.reversible proteinuria
2.nephrotic syndrome

Psychological:
1.blushing
2.shyness
3.anxiety
4.irritability
5.insomnia

Chronic presentation in organic Mercury poisoning:
General:
1.fatigue
2.breathlessness
3.chest pain
4.abdominal pain
5.vomiting

Neurological:
1.headache
2.tremors
3.nervousness
4.paresthesia
5.constriction of visual fields
6.impaired hearing
7.convulsions
8.rigidity

Diagnostic Criteria of Work relatedness:
A good occupational history of work exposure to Mercury is important in diagnosing work place Mercury poisoning.
Supporting workplace monitoring and reports will provide more evidence to determine the diagnosis of work related Mercury poisoning.

Investigation to establish work relationship to Mercury poisoning:

Get an occupational history to establish if the worker is exposed to inorganic Mercury during:
1.manufacture of Mercury based thermometers, blood pressure machines
2.manufacture and use of batteries, meters,switches and electrical control devices
3.manufacture of anti-fouling paints and pigments
4.electrolytic production of sodium hydroxide, chlorine and acetic acid as fluid cathodes
5.manufacture and plating of gold, silver, tin and bronze in jewellery
6.Dentistry
7.use of mercury in photography and photogravue
8.Laboratories involved in soil testing using mercury as pressure medium, malt analysis for protein in brewery.

Organic Mercury poisoning:
1.use of chemical catalyst agents in chemical industry
2.manufacture and use of pesticides
3.manufacture and use paints and waxes especially paint preservatives and anti-fouling paints
4.manufacture and use of pharmaceutical products (example
such as antiseptics, contraceptives and diuretics.

Management:

1.Treatment of all workers with abnormal blood Mercury results should be done and the blood tests repeated after every 3 months until results are normal

2.All workers with Mercury poisoning should be reassigned to another area without exposure to Mercury.

3.Some workers with severe signs of Mercury poisoning may required hospitalization.

4.maintain good personal hygiene , wear personal protective equipment and  practice good work practices to prevent contact and  inhalation of toxic agent.

5.Avoid smoking and eating at workplaces which may be exposed to Mercury.

6.Put in place control measures to reduce exposure to Mercury

7.Education of workers of the dangers of Mercury poisoning and how to reduce exposure.

8.follow up on cases to monitor disease and whether the patient need hospitalization