Health Risk in Bamboo Shoot Fermentation Factory

Abstract

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