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Tetramethylammonium hydroxide poisoning during a pallet cleaning demonstration
Seung-Hyun Park1, Jungsun Park, Ki-Ho You
1Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, Republic of Korea.
Journal of Occupational Health
|January 19, 2013
Summary
A researcher died from acute poisoning after spilling tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) cleaner on his clothes. This case highlights the urgent need for proper personal protective equipment and regulatory control of TMAH due to its high toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Toxicology
- Chemical Safety
Background:
- Tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) is extensively used in the electronics industry as a cleaner and developer.
- Despite its widespread application, TMAH is known to be a dangerous chemical with significant toxicological risks.
Observation:
- An accidental fatality occurred involving a researcher exposed to an 8.75% TMAH solution cleaner during a field test.
- The exposure resulted from spilling the cleaner on work clothes, leading to extensive skin contact.
- The autopsy revealed death due to acute TMAH poisoning, with burns to 12% of the body as the only other significant finding.
Findings:
- TMAH exposure can cause severe neurotoxicity, leading to respiratory failure through ganglion blockade.
- Absorption through the skin is a primary route of exposure and toxicity.
- Currently, there is no known antidote for TMAH poisoning.
Implications:
- There is an urgent need for enhanced awareness regarding TMAH's toxic properties to prevent future poisoning incidents.
- Proper personal protective equipment is crucial to prevent skin absorption and subsequent toxicity.
- Regulatory bodies should consider stricter controls for TMAH, as it is not classified as a "chemical requiring legal control" in some regions, despite its fatal potential.
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