Characteristics of occupational n-hexane poisoning cases in China: summary of reported data of 1 262 cases

Objective To summarize the general rules and health management characteristics of occupational n-hexane poisoning diseases, and to provide a valuable reference for the prevention and control,through the analysis of 1 262 occupational n-hexane poisoning patients. Methods Cases reported during 1994 to 2013 were collected from electronic academic Chinese journal databases, then the key information was extracted and analyzed using SPSS 19.0 software. Results Totally eligible data of 1 262 cases were collected, in which there were no duplicate reports. The exposure levels of 96.7% of poisoning cases were higher than national OEL in China. 56.8% of the cases engaged in brush coating in the industries of leather,shoemaking and toy manufacture. The workplaces of 84.8% cases were not equipped with any protective facilities and 80.5% of cases didn't use any PPEs. The exposure time (from beginning to the onset of symptoms) of most cases (64.3%)was 3 to 15 months and 75.6% cases could recover after treatment. Electromyography played an important role in diagnosis of occupational n-hexane poisoning. The mean course of disease was 234.5 days, while the course of mild cases was significantly shorter than the moderate and the severe cases(U=8 240.5,3 578.0,P<0.05) and no difference between the moderate and the severe cases(U=4 588.5,P>0.05). Conclusion The major clinical feature of chronic n-hexane poisoning is multiple peripheral neuropathy. Patients recover slowly but have positive prognosis. In order to prevent occupational n-hexane poisoning, effective measures, including engineering,PPEs and management, should be taken and maintained.