Acute toxic encephalopathy induced by occupational exposure to 1,2-dichloropropane

Abstract

1,2-Dichloropropane (1,2-DCP) is used widely in Korea as a substitute for trichloroethylene or methylene chloride. Some companies mistakenly consider that 1,2-DCP is an eco-friendly detergent because its use is not regulated, but 1,2-DCP is known to inhibit the central nervous system in animals; a few cases of accidental exposure have been reported in humans. We present a case of acute encephalopathy caused by exposure to 1,2-DCP. A 41 yr-old male presented with dizziness, headache, and diplopia after exposure to the detergent without protective equipment. Brain magnetic resonance imaging suggested metabolic encephalopathy, but the patient had no thiamine deficiency and no other metabolic disorder. As the symptoms had commenced after exposure to a large amount of solvent while skimming rust from the surface, and as the symptoms were more severe during the work week, improved on weekends, and disappeared after solvent exposure ceased, the toxic encephalopathy was likely induced by inhalation of the detergent.

Systematic evaluation of 1,2-dichloropropane emissions from do-it-yourself spray foam insulation products

“…The EPA proposed 1,2-DCP as a high-priority substance for risk evaluation in 2019, however the evaluation has not been completed as of September 2021 37 . A case of acute encephalopathy, dizziness, headache, and diplopia was recorded in a 41-year old worker in Korea after being exposed to 1,2-DCP levels (8-41 ppm) reportedly below many occupational limits presented in Table 3 36 . It is a reasonable expectation that the current exposure limits will be revised in the future.…”

“…The data presented in this study demonstrated that 1,2-DCP was systematically present in thirteen different SPF products during spraying and curing. Whilst 1,2-DCP has been found to have impact on health 36,37 the exposure values for both occupational and worker exposure vary by country and organisation. Table 3 outlines the exposure limits across different countries and the carcinogenic classification of 1,2-DCP.…”

Validation of urinary 1,2-dichloropropane concentration as a biological exposure index for workers exposed to 1,2-dichloropropane

“…Lucantoni et al [ 7 ] reported elevated liver enzyme levels in workers exposed to stain removers containing 1,2-DCP and centrilobular necrosis in liver biopsies. There is also a case report of acute toxic encephalopathy caused by acute exposure to 1,2-DCP [ 8 ]. Chronic exposure to 1,2-DCP increases the risk of central nervous system disease and cholangiocarcinoma.…”

Acute 1,2-Dichloropropane Poisoning due to Ingestion of Rubber Cement

“…1 1,2-Dichloropropane can damage the eyes, respiratory system, central nervous system (CNS), liver, kidney, and hematopoietic system. 1,[4][5][6] Several human cases and animal studies of 1,2-DCP poisoning have been reported. In human cases, 1,2-DCP-induced hemolytic anemia and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) was first published in 1985.…”

“…8,9 Besides, the first case of acute toxic encephalopathy caused by occupational exposure to 1,2-DCP was reported in 2018. 5 In animal studies, Wang et al 10 found that 1,2-DCP induced acute liver necrosis due to mitochondrial dysfunction and decreased defense capacity by inhibiting mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes I-IV and glutathione S-transferase 1 (MGST1) activity in mice, and Zhang et al 2 showed that 1,2-DCP affected the expression of proteins with catalytic and carboxylate hydrolase activity by altering liver P450 enzymatic activity. Jin et al 1 showed that exposure to 1,2-DCP induced dermatitis and angiogenesis in the skin of mice by increasing activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase-B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway.…”