OBJECTIVES We report a case of n-hexane-induced occupational peripheral polyneuropathy. The patient had been cleaning mobile phone cases using n-hexane for 3 years without proper protection in the workplace. Method : Physical examinations, detailed history taking, laboratory studies and electrophysiological study were done. The n-hexane concentration in the ambient air of the workplace was analysed. RESULTS The findings of the electrophysiological study revealed that the worker's neurologic symptoms were due to peripheral polyneuropathy. The average n-hexane concentration in the ambient air sampled at the workplace for 59 minutes was 1411.24ppm, from which the 8 hour time-weighted-average(TWA) was estimated as 882ppm. Because other alternative causes for peripheral polyneuropathy were ruled out by laboratory findings and detailed history taking, this TWA level strongly suggested that the disease was caused by n-hexane exposure. Conclusion : Although the neuro-toxicity of n-hexane is relatively well known, many problems have been identified in the management of this toxic material in terms of preventing toxic diseases in the workplace. We expect that this case will help in the planning of health management strategies for using n-hexane in the workplace.
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
Changes of 30 years in the recognized occupational diseases of Korea: Lessons from the system change perspective Kyung Ehi Zoh, Mijin Park, Domyung Paek Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health.2020; 75(3): 127. CrossRef
Study on the Chemical Management - 2. Comparison of Classification and Health Index of Chemicals Regulated by the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of the Employment and Labor Sunju Kim, Chungsik Yoon, Seunghon Ham, Jihoon Park, Songha Kim, Yuna Kim, Jieun Lee, Sangah Lee, Donguk Park, Kwonseob Lee, Kwonchul Ha Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene.2015; 25(1): 58. CrossRef
Occupational Neurological Disorders in Korea Eun-A Kim, Seong-Kyu Kang Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S26. CrossRef
Occupational Diseases in Korea Seong-Kyu Kang, Eun A Kim Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S4. CrossRef
Occupational Neurologic Disorders in Korea Yangho Kim, Kyoung Sook Jeong, Yong-Hun Yun, Myoung-Soon Oh Journal of Clinical Neurology.2010; 6(2): 64. CrossRef