Abstract
On APR 2018, a chemical/fire accident occurred due to static electricity spark during chemical filling process resulting in one injury, potential patients and destruction of the factory complex at a chemical factory in Incheon, South Korea. The objective of this research is to analyze the atmospheric sampling; and to investigate health impacts in firefighters. The baseline and aftermath atmospheric sampling was carried out at 14 spots. Health impact investigation was conducted in 114 firefighters using structured questionnaire. Lung function test was implemented in three subjects. The atmospheric sampling identified 14 chemicals including dichloromethane (239.36ppb), toluene (43.01ppb), methyl chloride (33.47ppb) and etc. 88/93 (94.6%) were male and mean age was 41.5 years old. 44 reported 157 symptoms including 31 respiratory (70.5%), 26 olfactory (59.1%), 20 ocular (45.5%) symptoms. Continued symptoms were 21 respiratory (47.7%), 18 olfactory ( 40.1%), 15 ocular (34.1%) symptoms. Identified psychological symptoms were 4 PTSD (4.5%), 10 GAD (11.0%), and 16 depression (17.2%). Self-reported exposure levels were ‘normal’ in 19 (20.4%) and ‘high’ in 17 (18.3%) subjects. The lung function test indicated slight shortage (FEV1/FVC=69%, reference value=70%) in 1/3 subjects. In conclusion, large proportion (46.2%) of firefighters reported symptoms and one third of the respondents claimed continued physical and psychological symptoms after the exposure. Accordingly, the symptoms should be readily investigated and treated in firefighters who responds to a chemical accident.
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