Acute respiratory symptoms following massive carbon black exposure.

BACKGROUND

Chronic carbon black exposure in the work environment can cause both respiratory symptoms and changes in lung function. There is limited information on the respiratory effects of acute exposure to carbon black.

METHODS

Case report and literature review.

RESULTS

A 44-year-old man had intense exposure to carbon black when his crane ran into a truck with a trailer filled with carbon black. One week after this exposure he developed shortness of breath and cough with sputum production. These symptoms persisted and increased in intensity. Physical examination revealed expiratory wheezes when in the supine position. Pulmonary function tests revealed a mild obstructive ventilatory defect with a reduced FEV(1)/FVC ratio. The patient responded to treatment with fluticasone and salmeterol with a reduction in symptoms and improvement in his spirometry to a normal range.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute exposure to carbon black can cause respiratory symptoms and an obstructive ventilatory defect. This presentation suggests a small airway disease which improved over time with inhaled steroids and long-acting beta-agonists. Patients with intense carbon black exposure following industrial accidents will need frequent evaluation to manage any related respiratory tract injury.