Fulminant hepatic failure after occupational exposure to 2-nitropropane

Two construction workers became ill after applying an epoxy resin coating containing 2-nitropropane in the confined space of an underground concrete vault. One man died 10 days later from fulminant hepatic failure. The second man recovered but has had persistently elevated serum aminotransferase activity. The serum concentration of 2-nitropropane on admission of the man who died was 13 mg/L, and was 8.5 mg/L in his coworker. The acute toxicity of 2-nitropropane has not been widely appreciated despite previous reports of death due to hepatic failure after exposure to the compound in confined spaces. These cases show the importance of effective education and protective work practices.