Exposure of the skin to methyl bromide: a study of six cases occupationally exposed to high concentrations during fumigation.
1 The effects of exposure of the skin to high concentrations of methyl bromide were studied in 6 cases, who had been unintentionally exposed. 2 Exposure to high concentrations of methyl bromide (approximately 40 g/m3) for 40 min can lead to redness and blistering of the skin. This cannot be prevented by wearing standard protective clothing. 3 Skin lesions show a preference for relatively moist skin areas. 4 Plasma bromide levels were highest immediately following exposure (mean 9.0 +/- 1.4 mg/l) and fell in subsequent hours (mean 6.8 +/- 2.3 mg/l 12 h after the exposure), suggesting absorption of (methyl) bromide through the skin. 5 No systemic effects were noted in this series. 6 Fumigation with methyl bromide should not be done in such a way as to require the presence of workers inside closed areas, where methyl bromide is released.
D000328:Adult; D001965:Bromides / Q000097:blood; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006842:Hydrocarbons, Brominated / Q000506:poisoning*; D007958:Leukocyte Count / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology
D001965:Bromides; D006842:Hydrocarbons, Brominated; C005218:methyl bromide