ABSTRACT
Contexto: O metanol é usado como matéria-prima na fabricação de biodiesel e pode causar, em especial, danos oftalmológicos e neurológicos. A exposição ocupacional acontece principalmente pela inalação de vapores. No entanto, os dados relacionados aos efeitos da exposição crônica ao metanol em humanos são limitados. Objetivos: Mostrar situações e atividades com risco de exposição ao metanol em uma planta de biodiesel e a presença de possíveis sintomas de contaminação nos trabalhadores. Métodos: Questionário, entrevistas, observação direta e análise documental possibilitaram a coleta dos dados. Resultados: O processo produtivo apresentou oito situações de exposição ao metanol. Entre os 42 sujeitos da pesquisa, 27 trabalhavam diretamente expostos e rela-taram ter dor de cabeça (71,42%), formigamento (42,00%), entre outros sintomas. As mais importantes queixas relacionadas com os efeitos neurotóxicos foram irritação (40,50%), ansiedade (35,70%) e dor de cabeça (64,30%). Funcionários das áreas administrativas também apresentavam sintomatologia idêntica à de contaminação pelo químico. Conclusões: Trabalhadores em diferentes atividades estavam expostos ao metanol, e a análise dos sintomas associados à exposição a esse solvente revelou que a maioria apresentava alguma sintomatologia compatível com a contaminação por ele.
Background: Methanol is used as raw material for biodiesel production and might cause especially visual and neurological disorders. Occupational exposure mainly occurs through vapor inhalation. However, the available data on the effects of human chronic exposure to methanol are limited. Aims: To describe situations and activities involving risk of exposure to methanol in a biodiesel plant and the possible presence of symptoms of contamination in workers. Methods: Data collection was performed by means of direct observation, interviews, document analysis and application of a questionnaire. Results: The production process included eight different situation os methanol exposure. Among the 42 participants in the study, 27 worked under conditions of direct methanol exposure and reported headache (71.42%) and tingling (42.00%) among other symptoms. The most important complaints related to the neurotoxic effects of methanol were irritation (40.50%), anxiety (35.70%) and headache (64.30%). Similarly, workers in administrative areas exhibited the same symptoms of contamination by the chemical. Conclusions: Workers performing various different activities were exposed to methanol; analysis of the symptoms associated with exposure to the solvent showed that most of them exhibited symptoms compatible with methanol contamination.
Subject(s)
Occupational Risks , Methanol/toxicity , Energy-Generating Resources , Biofuels/toxicity , Environmental Pollution , Data Collection/instrumentationABSTRACT
In this case report, we document a 54-year-old woman with total bilateral optic nerve atrophy after local application of methanol containing spirit. Almost all the reported cases of methanol intoxication in the literature are caused by oral ingestion. In this rare case, we present transdermal absorption of methanol that may cause irreversible blindness in addition to intracerebral lesions
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Methanol/toxicity , Skin Absorption/drug effects , Solvents/adverse effects , Blindness , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Tonometry, Ocular , Magnetic Resonance ImagingABSTRACT
Objetivo: Describir las características clínicas y la evolución de los pacientes con intoxicación por metanol. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal, retrospectivo, tipo serie de casos en pacientes con diagnóstico de intoxicación por metanol, atendidos en el Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia entre el 2004 y 2008. Resultados: Se encontraron 8 pacientes (6 varones y 2 mujeres) atendidos por intoxicación por metanol, 6 sobrevivieron. En todos los casos la vía de ingreso fue oral, 7 en forma accidental; 4 de los pacientes tenía antecedentes de dependencia alcohólica y 3 de depresión. Al ingreso, 7 presentaron alteración del nivel de conciencia, 7 visión borrosa y 4 vómitos y los niveles de metanol sérico estuvieron entre 67 a 93 mg/dL. Todos los pacientes presentaron acidosis metabólica con anión gap elevado. Los pacientes fallecidos tuvieron pH menor de 7,0. La principal complicación fue neumonía aspirativa. Conclusiones: Debido al escaso número de casos no podemos llegar a conclusiones; sin embargo, podemos decir que la intoxicación por metanol generalmente se produce por ingesta accidental, debido al consumo de licores adulterados en varones adultos de limitados recursos económicos, los síntomas más frecuentes de presentación son la alteración de la conciencia y la visión borrosa, y aparentemente el riesgo de muerte está relacionado con la severidad de la acidosis metabólica.
Objective: To describe clinical characteristics and evolution of patients with methanol poisoning. Methods: A descriptive, transversal, retrospective study, case series report of patients with methanol poisoning at the Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia between 2004 and 2008. Results: We found 8 patients (6 men and 2 women) with methanol poisoning, 6 survived. In all cases pathway entrance was oral, 7 were accidental; 4 patients were alcoholics and 3 had depression. At admission, 7 had consciousness disorder, 7 blurred vision, 4 vomits and serum methanol levels were between 67-93 mg/dl. All patients had metabolic acidosis with elevated anion gap. The main complication was aspiration pneumonia. Conclusions: Due to the small number of cases we can reach conclusions, but we can say methanol poisoning is usually caused by accidental ingestion, mainly from adulterated liquor consumption by adult men with limited economic resources, most common symptoms are consciousness disorder and blurred vision, and apparently risk of death is related to severity of metabolic acidosis.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Acidosis , Alcoholic Intoxication , Methanol/poisoning , Methanol/toxicity , Epidemiology, Descriptive , Retrospective Studies , Cross-Sectional Studies , Case Reports , PeruABSTRACT
O metanol é um agente químico com características neurotóxico utilizados como matéria prima para a fabricação do biodiesel. Acredita-se que os efeitos após exposição crônica sejam semelhantes àqueles da exposição aguda, porém menos severos. Estes efeitos incluem distúrbios visuais e sob o sistema nervoso central. Por meio de uma pesquisa qualitativa foram identificadas as principais fontes de exposição ao metanol, população exposta e sinais e sintomas recentes num universo de 42 trabalhadores de uma usina de processamento de biodiesel no município de Quixadá, Brasil. Foram identificados oito possíveisfontes de emissão e grupo de trabalhadores potencialmente expostos ao metanol. Entre os grupos expostos, encontram-se os trabalhadores da equipe de operadores, técnicos emmanutenção, apoio operacional, auxiliares de laboratório e, ainda, o pessoal que desempenha as atividades durante o descarregamento do produto em questão. A análise da situação desaúde dos trabalhadores revelou que a maioria dos indivíduos potencialmente expostos já apresenta sintomatologias pré- existentes tais como dores de cabeça, formigamento, azia equeimação. Irritação (38,1 por cento), ansiedade (35,7 por cento), insônia (64,3 por cento) e, principalmente, dor de cabeça (64,35 por cento) são as queixas recentes mais importantes associadas aos sintomas neurotóxicos. Por outro lado, os sinais e sintomas recentes, que podem estar relacionados à exposição de metanol foram irritação nos olhos (38,1 por cento), dificuldades para respirar (23,8 por cento) ecâimbras (19 por cento).
Methanol is a chemical agent with neurotoxic characteristics used as chief component for biodiesel production. It is believed that symptoms developed from chronic exposure of methanol are similar to those of acute exposure, however less severe. The symptoms identified include visual and central nervous system disorders. The main sources and symptoms related to exposure to methanol were identified by means of a qualitative research conducted with a population of 42 workers from a biodiesel processing plant in the region of Quixadá, Brazil.Eight possible emission sources were identified among workers who were potentially exposed to methanol. These workers held jobs as operators, operations support, maintenancetechnicians, lab assistants and loading dock workers. A health examination analyses revealed that the majority of the potentially exposed workers already show pre-existing symptoms such as headaches, paraesthesia, heartburn and acid reflux. Irritability (38.1%), anxiety (35.7%), insomnia (64.3%) and predominantly, headaches(64.35%) are the recent most important complaints associated with neurotoxic symptoms. Other recent symptoms that could be associated with exposure to methanol are eye irritation (38.1%) shortness of breath (23.8%) and cramps (19%).
Subject(s)
Humans , Diagnosis of Health Situation , Occupational Exposure/adverse effects , Methanol/adverse effects , Methanol/toxicity , Fuel Oils/adverse effects , Fuel Oils/toxicity , Brazil , Chemical Compound Exposure , Occupational HealthABSTRACT
To investigate methanol poisoning from a national forensic perspective in Jordan. From 1st January 2006 to 31st December 2006 a total number of 1388 autopsies were carried out at the National Institute of Forensic Medicine; the medico legal and toxicology reports were probed for methanol related deaths. Variables abstracted included age, sex, circumstances of death, admission to hospital, principle cause of death, and blood methanol concentration. Seventeen cases of fatal methanol intoxication were reported, representing a mortality rate of 0.3 per 100,000. All deaths occurred in the last quarter of the year 2006, and all victims were males. The major outbreak of 11 cases [64.7%] occurred in October. The victims mean age was 36 years [24-56 years], the age group 21 -30 years accounted for 35.3% of the total cases. Eleven cases were found dead, 4 were admitted to hospital before death and 2 cases were brought to the forensic medicine institution due to fatal road traffic accident. Methanol concentration ranged from 46 to 645 mg/dl [mean 306 mg/100ml], no ethanol or drugs of abuse were detected. As alcohol intake propagates within Jordanian community, a significant increase in the number of fatal alcohol poisoning is expected. Jordanian society lacks the public awareness regarding the grave consequences of methanol intoxication. A prompt medical, legal and education plan should be implemented as soon as possible to save lives, and eradicate poisoning outbreaks
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Methanol/toxicity , Disease Outbreaks , Accidents, Traffic/etiology , Forensic Medicine , MortalityABSTRACT
Se realizó el estudio fitoquímico, toxicológico agudo y citotóxico del cinnamomum zeylanicum (canela). Para la determinación de la DL50 se utilizaron 30 ratones albinos, cuyos pesos oscilaron entre 25 y 30 gr., siguiendo el método de Probits. Igualmente se determinó la concentración letal media (CL-50) en artemia salina. La actividad citotóxica y teratogénica fue evaluada en huevos de Tetrapygus Níger (erizo de mar). Nos permite concluir, siguiendo los criterios de William, que el extracto metanólico de la canela es ligeramente tóxico y posee efecto citotóxico frente al erizo de mar, no evidenciándose efecto teratogénico, a las dosis empleadas.
We have performed a Phytochemic. Toxicologic and Cytotoxic study, of Cinamomum zeylanicum (canela) in laboratory. We have determinated the letal 50-doses (DLSO) in mice, the letal middle concentration (CL_50) in Artemia salina and the cytotoxic and teratogenic effect on Tetrapygus niger eggs (sea Hedgehog). We may conclude following the William Criterions that the metanolic extract of canela is lightly toxic and it has cytotoxic effects on sea Hedgehog at the doses studied.
Subject(s)
Male , Animals , Female , Mice , Artemia , Cinnamomum zeylanicum/toxicity , Cytotoxins , Sea Urchins , Plant Extracts/toxicity , Methanol/toxicity , Toxicity Tests/methodsABSTRACT
O metanol e um constituinte naturalmente presente nas bebidas alcoolicas, em quantidades pequenas em relacao aos demais componentes. Nas ultimas duas decadas, foram relatadas, por diferentes autores de diversos paises, ocorrencias de casos de intoxicacao e morte causados pelo consumo de bebidas alcoolicas contaminadas por metanol...
Subject(s)
Humans , Methanol/toxicity , Alcohol Drinking/metabolism , Alcoholic Intoxication/complicationsABSTRACT
El Laboratorio de Toxicologia del Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal y Ciencias Forenses (INML y CF) observó un incremento de muestras positivas para metanol en sangre, entre las necropsias medicolegales practicadas en junio de 1994. Por lo anterior, se llevó a cabo un estudio epidemiológico con el fin de establecer el diagnóstico, identificar los factores de riesgo y controlar y prevenir la presencia de nuevos brotes. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, se revisaron los protocolos de necropsia, los resultados de alcoholemia e historias clíncas de los casos y se aplicó un formulario de necropsia verbal. se definió como caso mortal de intoxicación metílica (ITM) aquella defunción ocurrida durante junio de 1994, cuya necropsia se realizó en el INML y CF, con concentraciones de metanol superiores a 30 mg/dL y cuyo informe establecía intoxicación por metanol como causa básica de la defunción. Se identificaron 14 personas fallecidas por ITM, siendo la totalidad de los casos indigentes. La función estadística scan (p=0,004) indicó que el exceso de defunciones de junio era estadísticamente significativo en relación con los meses previos. Doce de los casos recibieron atención médica y a cuatro se les diagnosticó ITM antes de su muerte. Todos los casos presentaron concentraciones de metanol en sangre entre 43 y 190,4 mg/dL. Este es el primer conglemerado de intoxicación por metanol en indigentes que se describen en el país y plantea la necesidad de establecer políticas de salud pública dirigidas a la protección de indigentes y prevención de intoxicación por metanol
Subject(s)
Humans , Methanol/toxicity , Alcoholic IntoxicationSubject(s)
Humans , Male , Adult , Ethanol/therapeutic use , Methanol/toxicity , Alcoholic Intoxication/therapySubject(s)
Humans , Drug Overdose/complications , Poisoning/complications , Alkalies/adverse effects , Alkalies/toxicity , Carbamates/adverse effects , Carbamates/poisoning , Carbamates/toxicity , Hydrocarbons/adverse effects , Hydrocarbons/poisoning , Hydrocarbons/toxicity , Insecticides, Organochlorine/adverse effects , Insecticides, Organochlorine/poisoning , Insecticides, Organochlorine/toxicity , Methanol/adverse effects , Methanol/poisoning , Methanol/toxicityABSTRACT
Tunicates have been reported to be a rich source of biologically active compounds. In this study, we demonstrate the presence of cytotoxic substances in Phallusia nigra, a common tunicate from Brazilian coastal waters. An extract of tunicate tissue was obtained by homogenizing the visceral organs from 50 specimens in methanol, followed by filtration and concentration in a rotary vacuum evaporator. Finally, the concentrate was partitioned with chloroform to remove lipids. The resulting extract possessed antimitotic and hemolytic activity. The former was demonstrated as a delay in the development of sea urchin eggs by partially inhibiting the process of cleavage (first cleavage, EC50 ñ SEM = 3.44 ñ 0.84 mg/ml). The <500 molecular fraction of the extract obtained by ultrafiltration also inhibited cell proliferation (the number of viable cells was decreased by 68 per cent with 500 mug/ml) and DNA synthesis of T47D cells derived from human breast carcinoma as measured by [3H]-thymidine incorporation (66 per cent of the control value after 24-h incubation with 100 mug/ml). Dose-dependent hemolysis obtained with P. nigra extract on mouse erythrocytes had an EC50 ñ SEM = 1.12 ñ 0.02 mglml for a 0.5 per cent erythrocyte suspension. Hemolysis could be reduced by pre-incubating the cells with choline-containing phospholipid. Sphingomyelin (40 mug/ml) increased the EC50 by twofold to 2.86 ñ 0.04 mg/ml, but phosphatidylcholine (80 mug/ml) did not modify hemolysis.
Subject(s)
Animals , Mice , Methanol/toxicity , Urochordata/chemistry , Antineoplastic Agents/toxicity , Brazil , Hemolysis , Methanol/metabolism , Sea Urchins , Phospholipases A/metabolismABSTRACT
1. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether maternal protein-energy malnutrition alters methanol-induced embryotoxic effects in rats. 2. On day 0 of pregnancy, dams were assigned at random to one of the following treatment groups: well-nourished methanol (WNM), well-nourished control (WNC), malnourished methanol (MNM) and malnourished control (MNC). Malnourished animals received half of the well-nourished food intake (ca 12 g/day) throughout pregnancy. Methanol was adminsitered by gavage (2.5 g/kg body weight) from gestation day 6 to 15. 3. Rats were weighed on days 0,6 to 15, and 21 of pregnancy. On day 21 rats were submitted to cesarean section. The number of implantations, living and dead fetuses, resorptions and corpora lutea was recorded. All fetuses were weighed, examined for externally visible malformations, fixed, and examined for skeletal anomalies after clearing and staining with Alizarin Red S. 4. An increased proportion of fetuses with skeletal malformations, particularly cervical extra ribs, was found in the methanol-treated groups (fetuses with skeletal malformations: WNC = 5.6 percent WNM = 45.4 percent, MNC = 3.8 percent, and MNM = 38.8 percent). Malnutrition produced fetal growth retardation, but did not cause any increase in the occurrence of gross structural malformations. The methanol-induced increase in the proportion of fetuses with extra ribs was not altered by malnutrition, but methanol potentiated the malnutrition-induced increase in the proportion of fetuses with sings of delayed ossification (WNC = 18.6 percent, WNM = 25.4 percent, MNC = 39.7 percent, and MNM = 78.4 percent). 5. These findings suggest that methanol-induced gross structural malformations are not affected by maternal malnutrition, but the delay in ossification caused by malnutrition is aggravated by treatment with methanol
Subject(s)
Animals , Female , Male , Rats , Protein-Energy Malnutrition/physiopathology , Fetal Development/drug effects , Fetal Growth Retardation/chemically induced , Methanol/toxicity , Nutritional Status , Rats, WistarABSTRACT
El caso objeto de esta publicación se refiere al de tres hombres adultos que fallecieron tras ingerir accidentalmente una bebida alcohólica conteniendo gran cantidad de alcohol metílico. Se analizó la sangre de estos sujetos, hallándose metanol y sus metabolitos empleando la técnica de cromatografía de gases, Este es el único caso
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Chromatography, Gas , Methanol/toxicity , Alcoholic Intoxication/mortalityABSTRACT
Among the three important industrial solvents used, maximum stimulation of collagen formation in rat liver was caused by methyl alcohol followed by toluene and xylene. A combined treatment also promoted collagenesis suggesting a synergistic effect of these solvents.
Subject(s)
Animals , Collagen/biosynthesis , Liver/drug effects , Male , Methanol/toxicity , Rats , Solvents/toxicity , Toluene/toxicity , Xylenes/toxicitySubject(s)
Animals , Brain/drug effects , Ethanol/toxicity , Histamine/metabolism , Male , Methanol/toxicity , Rats , Rats, WistarSubject(s)
Acetylcholine/metabolism , Animals , Brain/drug effects , Cholinesterases/metabolism , Female , Male , Methanol/toxicity , Rats , Rats, WistarABSTRACT
No presente artigo é apresentada uma revisäo dos aspectos toxicológicos do metanol, dando ênfase ao estudo da sua toxicocinética e toxicodinâmica, ressaltando-se que o ácido fórmico, produto de biotransformaçäo do metanol, é o provável responsável pela açäo e efeitos tóxicos principais. Além disso, säo feitas consideraçöes quanto ao problema ocupacional e ambiental, em conseqüência do uso do metanol como combustivel em veículos automotores
Subject(s)
Maximum Allowable Concentration , Methanol/toxicity , Occupational ExposureABSTRACT
O presente trabalho tem como objetivo único de colaborar no processo decisório de liberaçäo ou näo do uso de metanol, fornecendo instrumentos técnicos seguros e precisos às autoridades responsáveis