Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Acting as Occupational Hazard in a Factory Worker Presented with Acute Toxic Encephalopathy: A Case Report

Abstract

Neurotoxic exposures are common and ubiquitous in the environment, particularly in occupational settings. When a patient presents with toxic encephalopathy arriving at the correct diagnosis is often a diagnostic challenge. Recognition of toxic encephalopathy is important because the correct diagnosis of occupational hazards can prevent others (e.g, workers at the same workplace) from further exposure to the toxin. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics are extensively used for a very wide range of purposes. Before PVC can be made into finished products, it always requires conversion into a compound by the incorporation of additives such as heat stabilizers, UV stabilizers, plasticizers, processing aids, impact modifiers, thermal modifiers, fillers, flame retardants, biocides, blowing agents and smoke suppressors, and, optionally pigments. Lead, cadmium or organotins are used as stabilizers. Zinc, tin stabilizers and pigments are also used in PVC. Antimony-zinc complexes have been used as flame retardants in PVC products. We here present a case with acute encephalopathy due to accidental inhalation of PVC and heavy metal combination during the manufacture of electric wire.