Risk of pneumothorax in pneumoconiosis patients in Taiwan: a retrospective cohort study.

Objectives: This study was conducted to explore the association between pneumoconiosis and pneumothorax.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: Nationwide population-based study using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database.

n-Hexane intoxication in a Chinese medicine pharmaceutical plant: a case report.

Background: n-Hexane is a well-known neurotoxicant. Polyneuropathy due to occupational n-hexane exposure has been reported worldwide, however, our case is the first report in the Chinese herb industry.

Case Presentation: A 25-year-old Asian man experienced progressive weakness and numbness in his hands and feet after working as an operator in a Chinese medicine pharmaceutical plant for the manufacture of Chinese herbal pain relief patches for 10 months.