Reactive airways dysfunction syndrome caused by bromochlorodifluoromethane from fire extinguishers

Although the neurological and cardiovascular effects of Freons have been extensively described, the respiratory effects have been less well documented. We report four cases of occupational asthma following accidental exposure to bromochlorodifluoromethane (Halon 1211) due to release of the contents...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Occupational and environmental medicine (London, England) England), 2004-08, Vol.61 (8), p.712-714
Main Authors: Matrat, M, Laurence, M F, Iwatsubo, Y, Hubert, C, Joly, N, Legrand-Cattan, K, L’Huillier, J P, Villemain, C, Pairon, J C
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aerospace Medicine
Asthma
Asthma - chemically induced
Bromochlorofluorocarbons
Bronchial Hyperreactivity - chemically induced
Bronchodilators
chlorofluorocarbons
Chlorofluorocarbons, Methane - poisoning
Cough
Dizziness
Family medical history
FEF25–75
Female
FEV1
Fire damage
Fire extinguishers
Fire Extinguishing Systems
Fires
Flame Retardants - poisoning
Fluorides
forced expiratory flow rate at 25–75% of forced vital capacity
forced expiratory volume in one second
forced vital capacity
FVC
Humans
Hypersensitivity
Inhalation
Male
occupational asthma
Occupational diseases
Occupational Diseases - chemically induced
Occupational Exposure - adverse effects
Patient medical history
RADS
reactive airways dysfunction syndrome
Respiratory symptoms
Short Report
Steroids
Syndrome
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Description
Summary:Although the neurological and cardiovascular effects of Freons have been extensively described, the respiratory effects have been less well documented. We report four cases of occupational asthma following accidental exposure to bromochlorodifluoromethane (Halon 1211) due to release of the contents of a fire extinguisher. All subjects developed an irritative reaction of the upper airways and lower respiratory symptoms immediately after exposure. Non-specific bronchial hyperreactivity was present for at least two months in all subjects and was still present more than two years after exposure in one case. The diagnosis of reactive airways dysfunction syndrome can be adopted in at least three of these four cases.
ISSN:1351-0711
1470-7926
DOI:10.1136/oem.2003.009837