Two cases of occupational acute and severe methyl acetate poisoning

VernacularTitle:职业性急性重度乙酸甲酯中毒2例
Author: Qiaoying XIE ¹ ; Yanming CHU ; Yanna LE
Author Information

1. 杭州市职业病防治院职业病科，杭州　310014
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: Poisoning; Methyl acetate; Acute poisoning; Visual impairment; Acidosis
From: Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2025;43(10):767-769
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Methyl acetic acid methyl ester (MAME), a colorless, transparent, low-toxicity chemical with an aromatic odor, is widely used in the textile industry as a liquid substance. When absorbed through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact, MAME is metabolized into methanol, potentially causing methanol-like poisoning symptoms. Clinical manifestations vary significantly among individuals, commonly presenting as metabolic acidosis, toxic encephalopathy, optic nerve damage, and even death, all associated with accumulation of formate in the body. This study reports two cases of acute MAME poisoning from August to December 2024. Both patients had confirmed occupational exposure to MAME and exhibited acute optic nerve and retinal damage, diagnosed as occupational acute severe MAME poisoning.