title: Presumed mass illness following a pyridine fumes incident: environmental contamination versus mass hysteria.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Emergency Department and Prehospital Emergency Team, University Hospital, Vrije Universiteit, Brussels, Belgium. van.der.auwera.marcel@telenet.be
authors.forename: Marcel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Van der Auwera
authors.forename: Rudi
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Beckers
authors.forename: Katleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Devue
authors.forename: Petra
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Claes
authors.forename: Axelle
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: De Cock
authors.forename: Nico
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Deleu
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D011725:Pyridines