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Phosphorus trichloride toxicity. Preliminary report.

S Wason, I Gomolin, P Gross

    The American Journal of Medicine
    |December 1, 1984
    PubMed
    Summary
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    A chemical spill released toxic fumes, causing respiratory and eye irritation. Pulmonary function tests revealed significant lung capacity decreases in those nearby, indicating phosphorus trichloride toxicity.

    Area of Science:

    • Environmental Health
    • Toxicology
    • Occupational Medicine

    Background:

    • A railroad accident in Somerville, Massachusetts, resulted in a significant spill of phosphorus trichloride liquid.
    • Attempted cleanup with water exacerbated the situation, releasing toxic compounds including phosphorus trichloride, phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid, and phosphorus oxides.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the health effects of acute exposure to a mixture of chemicals released during a phosphorus trichloride spill.
    • To assess the pulmonary function changes and clinical symptoms in individuals exposed to the toxic mixture.

    Main Methods:

    • Studied seventeen individuals exposed to the chemical mixture following the accident.
    • Monitored clinical symptoms such as eye irritation, lacrimation, nausea, vomiting, and dyspnea.

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  • Conducted pulmonary function tests (vital capacity, maximal breathing capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second, maximal expiratory flow rate) and assessed lactic dehydrogenase levels.

    • Main Results:

    • All patients experienced acute symptoms; six showed transient lactic dehydrogenase elevation.
    • Pulmonary function tests revealed significant decreases in vital capacity, maximal breathing capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second, and maximal expiratory flow rate, particularly in those closest to the spill site.
    • Patients exposed for shorter durations (<1.5 hours) exhibited better maximal expiratory flow rates compared to those exposed longer.
    • Seven patients showed improvement in pulmonary function tests one month later.

    Conclusions:

    • The acute health effects, including respiratory distress and decreased pulmonary function, were likely due to phosphorus trichloride toxicity.
    • Proximity to the accident site and duration of exposure significantly influenced the severity of pulmonary impairment.
    • The observed improvements suggest a reversible nature of the acute toxic effects of phosphorus trichloride exposure.