Methylene chloride poisoning in a cabinet worker

More than a million workers are at risk for methylene chloride exposure. Ae rosol sprays and paint stripping may also cause significant nonoccupational exposures. After methylene chloride inhalation, significant amounts of car bon monoxide are formed ill vivo as a metabolic by-product. Poisoning predo minantly affects the central nervous system and results from both carboxyhe moglobin formation and direct solvent-related narcosis. In this report, we describe a case of methylene chloride intoxication probably complicated by exogenous carbon monoxide exposure. The worker's presentation of intermitte nt headaches was consistent with both methylene chloride intoxication and c arbon monoxide poisoning. The exposures and symptoms were corroborated by e levated carboxyhemoglobin saturations and a workplace inspection that docum ented significant exposures to both methylene chloride and carbon monoxide. When both carbon monoxide and methylene chloride are inhaled, additional c arboxyhemoglobin formation is expected. Preventive efforts should include e ducation, air monitoring, and periodic carboxyhemoglobin determinations. Me thylene chloride should never be used in enclosed or poorly ventilated area s because of the well-documented dangers of loss of consciousness and death .