ABSTRACT
Although the neurological and cardiovascular effects of Freons have been extensively described, the respiratory effects have been less well documented. We report four cases of occupational asthma following accidental exposure to bromochlorodifluoromethane (Halon 1211) due to release of the contents of a fire extinguisher. All subjects developed an irritative reaction of the upper airways and lower respiratory symptoms immediately after exposure. Non-specific bronchial hyperreactivity was present for at least two months in all subjects and was still present more than two years after exposure in one case. The diagnosis of reactive airways dysfunction syndrome can be adopted in at least three of these four cases.
Subject(s)
Asthma/chemically induced , Chlorofluorocarbons, Methane/poisoning , Fire Extinguishing Systems , Flame Retardants/poisoning , Occupational Diseases/chemically induced , Adult , Aerospace Medicine , Bromochlorofluorocarbons , Bronchial Hyperreactivity/chemically induced , Female , Humans , Male , Occupational Exposure/adverse effects , SyndromeABSTRACT
Occupational lung cancers are underestimated by the number of cases compensated in the French National Insurance System. Rules of compensation of occupational diseases were recently modified in France. Therefore a study was conducted on incident cases of lung cancer in a general hospital in the Paris area. The aim was to evaluate the exposure to carcinogens using data of a detailed specific occupational questionnaire, and to determine the number of cases who could receive compensation. Two hundred and seven subjects (171 males, 36 females, mean age = 64.5 years) were eligible in 1996, and 122 had an occupational questionnaire. Definite exposure to one or more occupational carcinogens in at least one job was identified in 50 subjects, the most frequent agent was asbestos (42 subjects). Claim for compensation was done in 32 subjects, mainly for asbestos (30 subjects). This study emphasizes the frequency of occupational exposure to carcinogens, and the usefulness of systematic occupational questionnaire in subjects having lung cancer. Social and financial consequences are important for these subjects. Further studies are needed, with recruitement of control subjects to allow calculation of the attributable risk to occupational factors in lung cancer.
