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Negative effect of methyl bromide fumigation work on the central nervous system

Min-Goo Park1,2, Jungmi Choi3, Young-Seoub Hong4,5

  • 1Department of Plant Quarantine, Division of Pest Control, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA), Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea.

Plos One
|August 4, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Occupational exposure to methyl bromide (MB) negatively impacts fumigators' health, even when asymptomatic. This study found increased bromide ion levels and altered EEG indices in workers after fumigation.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Occupational Medicine
  • Neurotoxicology

Background:

  • Methyl bromide (MB) is a widely used fumigant with excellent efficacy but is an ozone-depleting substance and a known toxin.
  • While MB's acute toxicity to workers is recognized, its sub-clinical health effects on asymptomatic individuals remain under-explored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the subtle health impacts of occupational methyl bromide exposure on fumigators.
  • To assess changes in neurological function and biological markers in workers handling MB.

Main Methods:

  • The study measured electroencephalogram (EEG) indices and urinary bromide ion levels in 44 fumigators and 20 control inspectors.
  • Measurements were taken before and after fumigation work between February and August 2019 in Busan, Korea.

Main Results:

  • Fumigators showed a significant increase in post-work urinary bromide ion levels (P<0.001) and significant decreases in EEG median frequencies (MDF) and alpha-to-theta ratios (ATR) (P<0.05).
  • No significant changes were observed in the control group.
  • Urinary bromide ion levels were negatively correlated with EEG MDF (P = 0.032).

Conclusions:

  • Occupational exposure to methyl bromide adversely affects fumigators' health, indicated by elevated bromide levels and altered EEG patterns.
  • These neurological and biological changes occur even in workers who do not exhibit overt symptoms, highlighting the need for protective measures.

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