Bleeding problems associated with occupational exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides.
OBJECTIVE
Sporadic reports have occurred on adverse health effects due to occupational exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides. We report a case of coagulation derangement in a pest-control officer and present the results of a survey of his colleagues.


RESULTS
A 48-year-old man worked as a part-time pest-control officer applying rodenticides 3 h a week using gloves, but no mask, and without washing his hands between applications. He developed a symptomatic coagulation disturbance, probably caused by absorption of the poisons during work. No signs of coagulopathy were found in the patient's colleagues ( n=16), although basic hygiene measures were not always taken.


CONCLUSIONS
Occupational exposure to anticoagulants should be considered in cases of unexplained bleeding. We recommend that measures be taken to minimize the risk of occupational intoxication.
Svendsen
Susanne Wulff
SW
Department of Occupational Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Noerrebrogade 44, Building 2C, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark. swsve@akh.aaa.dk
Kolstad
Henrik A
HA
Steesby
Erik
E
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001778:Blood Coagulation Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced*; D003718:Denmark; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010571:Pest Control; D012378:Rodenticides / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000925:Anticoagulants; D012378:Rodenticides