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Occupational asthma due to ethylene diamine
1Department of Community, Occupational & Family Medicine, National University of Singapore.
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore
|May 1, 1991
Summary
A chemical worker developed occupational asthma from ethylene diamine exposure. This case highlights amines as potent industrial asthmagens requiring clinical recognition in affected workers.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Occupational asthma poses a significant health risk in industrial settings.
- Identifying specific causative agents is crucial for effective management and prevention.
- Ethylene diamine is a common industrial chemical with potential respiratory effects.
Observation:
- A chemical worker presented with symptoms suggestive of bronchial asthma.
- Occupational history and serial peak flow measurements indicated a link to workplace exposure.
- Bronchial provocation testing revealed a late dual asthmatic reaction to ethylene diamine.
Findings:
- The patient exhibited bronchial hyper-responsiveness to isopropyl alcohol and histamine.
- This hyper-responsiveness was deemed a consequence, not a cause, of occupational asthma.
- Ethylene diamine was confirmed as the causative agent for the worker's asthma.
Implications:
- Amines are recognized as potent small molecular weight asthmagens.
- These chemicals are widely used across various industries.
- Clinical evaluation of asthma in workers should include assessment for amine exposure.