Presumed mass illness following a pyridine fumes incident: environmental contamination versus mass hysteria.
This case study is based on a chemical spill in a warehouse in Belgium. Two victims were hospitalized, and a confluence of symptoms among the warehouse personnel had to be managed medically. An on-scene medical station and medical management team were deployed. A total of 51 victims were examined. Medical, political, and labor management arguments occurred. Medical findings and results from a thorough investigation helped prevent a presumed illness epidemic. The primary goals of the medical management of victims must include ensuring the health and safety of the personnel involved.
Van der Auwera
Marcel
M
Emergency Department and Prehospital Emergency Team, University Hospital, Vrije Universiteit, Brussels, Belgium. van.der.auwera.marcel@telenet.be
Beckers
Rudi
R
Devue
Katleen
K
Claes
Petra
P
De Cock
Axelle
A
Deleu
Nico
N
D000062:Accidents, Occupational; D000328:Adult; D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor; D001530:Belgium; D004190:Disasters; D006801:Humans; D007046:Hysteria; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D011725:Pyridines / Q000009:adverse effects*
D011725:Pyridines