Health Risk in Bamboo Shoot Fermentation Factory-ความเสี่ยงต่อสุขภาพในโรงงานหมักหน่อไม้ดอง

Abstract

       According to a report of the disease control group, Ratchaburi Provincial Health Office, 8 victims, resulting in 2 fatal cases were reported  in the incident in bamboo shoot fermentation factory on July 21, 2007.  It was most likely that they were exposed to hydrogen cyanide when they went down into fermentation tank.  In an attempt to assess cyanide exposure, 69 biospecimens were analysed in order to identify cyanide and thiocyanate in blood plasma and urine by the toxicology laboratory, National Institute of Health, Department of Medical Sciences.  The results showed that all blood samples drawn from 7 patients on the first day of exposure showed cyanide concentrations in the range of 2.0-3.5 g/ml which were considered severe cyanide poisoning level.  Also plasma thiocyanate were found in higher than normal level.  After the lapse of  5 days, all additional 16 collected blood samples showed cyanide concentrations of less than 0.2 g/ml; thiocyanate in plasma of 4 patients also decreased 20-30 percent and one even returned to normal.  Within a month, examination of cyanide levels in blood of 7 workers showed the range of < 0.2-1.9 g/ml or to be within a safe occupational limit.  The results confirmed workplace exposure to hydrogen cyanide, which is highly active and a powerful toxic agent.

Key words:  blood cyanide, plasma  thiocyanate, hydrogen cyanide, fermented bamboo shoot factory