Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://ahro.austin.org.au/austinjspui/handle/1/16445
Title: Workplace chemical and toxin exposures reported to a Poisons Information Centre: a diverse range causing variable morbidity
Austin Authors: Ling, Sophia Li-Yiing;Taylor, David McD ;Robinson, Jeffery
Affiliation: Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
Victorian Poisons Information Centre, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
Issue Date: Apr-2018
Date: 2016-10-18
Publication information: European Journal of Emergency Medicine 2018; 25(2): 134-139
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine the period prevalence, nature and causes of workplace chemical and toxin exposures reported to the Victorian Poisons Information Centre (VPIC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: All cases classified as 'workplace: acute' when entered into the VPIC database (June 2005-December 2013) were analysed. Data were collected on patient sex, the nature of the chemical or toxin, route of exposure and season. RESULTS: Overall, 4928 cases were extracted. Exposures to men (71.5% of calls) differed from women (P<0.001), with most exposures relating to industry/trade substances (23.7%) and cleaners/bleaches/detergents (36.9%), respectively. Ocular (33.2%), inhalational (27.7%) and dermal (22.1%) exposures were most common. Exposures were most common in Spring and most seasonal variation was found for veterinary/animal, agricultural/plant and household categories (P<0.05). In all, 3445 (69.9%) cases had symptoms related to their exposure at the time of the call. However, the proportion of symptomatic cases within the major substance categories differed significantly (P<0.001). Chemicals associated with the most symptoms were cleaners/bleaches/detergents, industrial/trade substances and acids. CONCLUSION: Mild-moderately important workplace exposures are common. Significant variations exist between the sexes and seasons. Poisons Information Centres may play a role in ongoing surveillance of chemical and toxin exposures and a minimum exposure dataset is recommended.
URI: https://ahro.austin.org.au/austinjspui/handle/1/16445
DOI: 10.1097/MEJ.0000000000000430
ORCID: 0000-0002-8986-9997
Journal: European Journal of Emergency Medicine
PubMed URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27759571
Type: Journal Article
Appears in Collections:Journal articles

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