A case of peripheral polyneuropathy occurring in a small enterprise processing mobile phone cases.
- Author:
Joo Youn SHIN
1
;
Jong Han LEEM
;
Yong Kyu KIM
;
Shin Goo PARK
;
Jee Na LEE
;
Hwan Chul KIM
;
Chang Hwan KIM
;
Kyong Up CHO
;
Mi JANG
Author Information
1. Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Inha University Hospital, Korea. oem@inha.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
polyneuropathy;
occupational neuropathy;
toxic neuropathy;
n-hexane
- MeSH:
Cellular Phone*;
Humans;
Neurologic Manifestations;
Physical Examination;
Polyneuropathies*
- From:Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
2005;17(2):138-143
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
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.
