Characteristics of chronic occupational n-hexane poisoning cases in Shenzhen from 2006 to 2015

Objective To analyze the characteristics of chronic occupational poisoning cases with n-hexane diagnosed in Shenzhen from 2006 to 2015, and provide evidence to further improve the control measures against n-hexane hazard. Methods The related data of the suffering cases, including onset time, the clinical features and employed experience, were collected and summarized. Results During 2006 to 2015, 107 cases were diagnosed as chronic occupational n-hexane poisoning. Among these 77(72.0%) were male workers. The median of onset age was 22 (range from 17 to 52), while female's onset age was significantly younger than male workers (P<0.01). Most cases were from the electronics and printing industries (accounting for 89.7%), which were located in Bao'an District. Most enterprises were private or small-scale industries. Most cases worked in closed, dust-free and air-conditioned workshops. It showed a clustered trend that 2 or more cases from one workshop were diagnosed at same time in the winter season. The clustered cases were significantly younger and their working years were shorter than the sporadic cases (P<0.05). Conclusion The small-scaled and private enterprises of electronics or printing industry should pay more attention to n-hexane hazard. Specific management regulations of n-hexane exposure should be implemented in closed, dust-free and air-conditioned workshops. The occupational health examination is an effective way to earlier identification of chronic n-hexane poisoning cases.