Phosphine exposure from a methamphetamine laboratory investigation.
BACKGROUND: Law enforcement personnel may be exposed to a variety of hazardous materials during investigation of clandestine methamphetamine laboratories. CASE REPORT: A 28-year-old forensic specialist investigating a methamphetamine lab was exposed to phosphine without respiratory protection at approximately 2.7 ppm for 20-30 minutes. Shortly following exposure she developed dizziness, cough, headache, and diarrhea, although initial medical evaluation within 1-2 hours was unremarkable. Pulmonary examination at 4 and 7 days postexposure revealed bilateral rhonchi. The cough was worse with exertion, and persisted despite beta-agonist and steroid inhaler treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This is apparently the first published case of symptomatic occupational phosphine exposure in a law enforcement officer during investigation of a methamphetamine laboratory. If phosphine exposure is suspected, the possibility of delayed pulmonary toxicity should be recognized.[1]References
- Phosphine exposure from a methamphetamine laboratory investigation. Burgess, J.L. J. Toxicol. Clin. Toxicol. (2001) [Pubmed]
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