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- Title
Acute respiratory symptoms following massive carbon black exposure.
- Authors
Hailemariam, Y.; Amiri, H. Mojazi; Nugent, K.
- Abstract
Background Chronic carbon black exposure in the work environment can cause both respiratory symptoms and changes in lung function. There is limited information on the respiratory effects of acute exposure to carbon black. Methods Case report and literature review. Results A 44-year-old man had intense exposure to carbon black when his crane ran into a truck with a trailer filled with carbon black. One week after this exposure he developed shortness of breath and cough with sputum production. These symptoms persisted and increased in intensity. Physical examination revealed expiratory wheezes when in the supine position. Pulmonary function tests revealed a mild obstructive ventilatory defect with a reduced FEV1/FVC ratio. The patient responded to treatment with fluticasone and salmeterol with a reduction in symptoms and improvement in his spirometry to a normal range. Conclusions Acute exposure to carbon black can cause respiratory symptoms and an obstructive ventilatory defect. This presentation suggests a small airway disease which improved over time with inhaled steroids and long-acting beta-agonists. Patients with intense carbon black exposure following industrial accidents will need frequent evaluation to manage any related respiratory tract injury.
- Subjects
CARBON-black; RESPIRATION; WORK environment; LITERATURE reviews; DYSPNEA; SPUTUM; INDUSTRIAL hygiene
- Publication
Occupational Medicine, 2012, Vol 62, Issue 7, p578
- ISSN
0962-7480
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1093/occmed/kqs149