Lung injury associated with inhalation of effective microorganism blends

Since 2009, effective microorganisms (EMs) have been supplied by the local government to the citizens of Seongnam, Korea, for various environment-protective uses including manufacturing detergents, cosmetics and humidifier disinfectants. A 68-year-old man who had placed an EM blends into a humidifier for inhalation visited the emergency room with complaints of fever and dyspnea. He was in a shock state with hypoxia. Chest computed tomography revealed diffuse ground-glass opacities that were dominant in the bilateral upper lobes. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage and transbronchial lung biopsy was performed. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis and biopsy findings were consistent with alveolar hemorrhage. All microbiological and virological test results were negative. His symptoms and radiographic opacities had improved markedly after several days of conservative care, and he was discharged healthy after 1 week of hospital stay.