[Characterization of severe acute occupational poisoning accidents related to metal and metalloid in China between 1989 and 2003].

Objective: To study the characteristics of severe acute occupational poisoning accidents related to metal and metalloid and provide scientific evidences for prevention and control strategies.

Methods: The data from the national occupational poisoning case reporting system were analyzed with descriptive methods.

Results: (1) There were 39 severe acute occupational poisoning accidents related to metal and metalloid for 15 years, which showed that there were 2.6 accidents occurred each year. Thirteen chemicals were reported to cause poisoning directly with 609 workers poisoned and 32 workers died. On average, there were 15.6 workers poisoned and 0.8 workers died of poisoning in each accident. The total poisoning rate was 52.9%, and the total mortality was 5.3%. The average poisoning age was (29.2 +/- 9.08) years old and the average death age was (32.3 +/- 9.9) years old. (2) The number of accidents related to metal and metalloid had been rising since 1997, and 43.6% of the accidents were caused by hydrogen arsenide. (3) The accidents mainly occurred in manufacture and chemical industry and easily occurred in some jobs, such as cleanout and porterage. (4) The main causes of the accidents were poor ventilation (22.5%), lack of personal protection equipment (19.8%), lack of safety education (19.8%), and lack of safety work practice (15.3%).

Conclusion: (1) The accidents related to hydrogen arsenide and arsenide should be highly emphasized. (2) It is important to strengthen the safety education and personal protection.