Published in:
01-05-2004 | Original Article
Acute pulmonary toxicity following occupational exposure to a floor stain protector in the building industry in Switzerland
Authors:
Catherine Lazor-Blanchet, Sophie Rusca, David Vernez, Raymond Berry, Eric Albrecht, Pierre-Olivier Droz, Marcel-André Boillat
Published in:
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health
|
Issue 4/2004
Login to get access
Abstract
Background
Waterproofing agents are widely applied to leather and textile garments; they are also used as floor stain protectors by professionals. Acute respiratory injury is described in three cases of young healthy adults following occupational inhalation of a new waterproofing formulation containing an acrylate fluoropolymer. Within 1 or 2 h after exposure they developed a rapidly progressive dyspnoea; two of them had hypoxaemia and flu-like reactions. All patients improved with supportive treatment in a few days. The mechanism of toxicity is still under investigation, but experimental data suggest the role of this new acrylate fluoropolymer.
Conclusion
Tilers should be warned against spraying floor stain repellents; there is also a need to make consumers aware that the spraying of waterproofing agents in a closed environment and concomitant smoking should be avoided.