Neurotoxicity associated with exposure to 1-bromopropane in golf-club cleansing workers

Abstract

Background. 1-Bromopropane (1-BP) is an alternative to ozone-depleting solvent that is used in degreasing, dry cleaning, spray adhesives, and aerosol solvents. Occupational exposure to 1-BP is associated with adverse peripheral sensory, motor, and central nervous system (CNS) effects. We report our Health Hazard and Medical Evaluation of 6 patients with neurotoxicity associated with occupational exposure to 1-BP. Case series and environmental evaluation. Six workers, 1 male and 5 female, were exposed to high ambient 1-BP concentrations while employed in a golf club cleaning factory. 1-BP was identified in the bulk solvent sample used by the workers and confirmed the workers’ daily occupational exposure to 1-BP for 3–10 months. The major presenting symptoms were tingling pain, soreness in lower extremities, and paresthesia. N-acetyl-S-(n-propyl)-L-cysteine (AcPrCys), a 1-BP metabolite, was identified by LC/MS/MS in the urine (0.171–1.74 mg/g-Cr) of these workers 5–26 days following 1-BP exposure. Discussion and conclusion. An occupational outbreak of 1-BP poisoning occurred as a result of recurrent power outages, condenser, and exhaust fans malfunction, and inadequate personal protection. Occupational exposure to 1-BP may result in peripheral neuropathy as well as adverse CNS effects. Urine AcPrCys may be a specific biomarker for 1-BP exposure.

Keywords:

• 1-Bromopropane
• Neurotoxicity
• n-acetyl-s-propylcysteine
• Occupational exposure
• Solvent

Acknowledgments

The authors deeply feel grateful for the grants supported by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan (M03A2085; MOHW-TD-M-111-5). We also appreciate the research approval granted by the Institutional Review Board of Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan (VGHIRB No. 2013-12-021CC).

Declaration of interest

The authors report no declaration of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.