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http://dx.doi.org/10.15269/JKSOEH.2019.29.3.336

Acute Hydrogen Cyanide Poisoning in a Plating Worker and Workplace Measurement  

Ham, Seunghon (Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Gil Medical Center, College of Medicine, Gachon University)
Choi, Won-Jun (Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Gil Medical Center, College of Medicine, Gachon University)
Lee, Junhyung (Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Gil Medical Center, College of Medicine, Gachon University)
Lim, Yong su (Department of Emergency Medicine, Gil Medical Center, College of Medicine, Gachon University)
Kang, Jihyun (Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Gil Medical Center, College of Medicine, Gachon University)
Kang, Seong-Kyu (Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Gil Medical Center, College of Medicine, Gachon University)
Publication Information
Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene / v.29, no.3, 2019 , pp. 336-342 More about this Journal
Abstract
Introduction: An unexpected death was reported in a beginner immediately after starting the work at a plating factory. After the incident, air sampling was performed using a simulation of the situation as it had been at the time. Methods: To evaluate the airborne concentration of hydrogen cyanide, a total of six samples were collected: one personal sample, three area samples, and two background samples (office and outdoors). Hydrogen cyanide measurement was performed according to the standard sampling protocol recommended by the U.S. NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health). Results: The highest concentration of hydrogen cyanide was 0.938 ppm measured in a sample collected from the plating bath area with local exhaust ventilation. This value was approximately 20% of the ceiling occupational exposure limit. The personal sample showed a concentration of 0.135 ppm. Samples collected near the bath in which the incident occurred and a dehydrator showed hydrogen cyanide concentrations of 0.236 ppm and 0.101 ppm, respectively. Hydrogen cyanide was not detected in the background samples (office and outdoors). Conclusions: It is necessary to use proper ventilation systems and respirators in plating factories to prevent acute poisoning. Furthermore, it is important to educate and train new workers dealing with toxic substances.
Keywords
Hydrogen cyanide; acute poisoning; plating industry; short term exposure limit;
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