Skin injuries afflicting three oil workers following contact with calcium bromide and/or calcium chloride.

Abstract

Calcium bromide brine is a highly concentrated aqueous solution of calcium bromide and calcium chloride. It is used extensively in the oil industry. This solution and its components are recognized as causes of skin injury and information is available from the manufacturers on their safe use and handling. Two patients who were injured following unprotected skin exposure to this solution and one patient who was injured following exposure to calcium chloride powder are reported. All sustained skin injuries characterised by an absence of pain and a delayed clinical appearance of the full extent of the injury. Furthermore healing was complicated by graft loss or was slow. Although organic bromine compounds are recognized as a cause of skin injuries, no previous reports of such injuries to humans secondary to calcium chloride or bromide exposure were found in the medical literature. Our experience with these patients is described.

• Authors: W R Saeed, S Distante, J D Holmes, P S Kolhe
• Journal: Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries (Burns) 1997 Nov-Dec Vol. 23 Issue 7-8 Pg. 634-7 ISSN: 0305-4179 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 9568340 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Bromides
• Calcium Compounds
• calcium bromide
• Calcium Chloride

Topics

• Adult
• Bromides (adverse effects)
• Calcium Chloride (adverse effects)
• Calcium Compounds (adverse effects)
• Chemical Industry
• Dermatologic Surgical Procedures
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Occupational Exposure (adverse effects)
• Skin (injuries)
• Skin Diseases (chemically induced, surgery)
• Wound Healing (physiology)