Arsenic poisoning in a glass factory in Kingston, Jamaica

ABSTRACT

A case is presented of a 46-year-old labourer in Kingston glass factory who exhibited the typical manifestations of arsenic poisoning after participating in the dismantling of an old furnace in the factory. An investigation of the factory by a Ministry of Health team found the safety practices of the company to be inadequate. Measurement of 24-hour urinary arsenic content in nine workers showed that five had levels above the upper limit of the range acceptable for exposed persons. This case serves to emphasize the need for increased attention to safe industrial practices by Caribbean industries, governments, and health communities (AU)