OBJECTIVE: Sporadic reports have occurred on adverse health effects due to occupational exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides. We report a case of coagulation derangement in a pest-control officer and present the results of a survey of his colleagues. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 48-year-old man worked as a part-time pest-control officer applying rodenticides 3 h a week using gloves, but no mask, and without washing his hands between applications. He developed a symptomatic coagulation disturbance, probably caused by absorption of the poisons during work. No signs of coagulopathy were found in the patient's colleagues ( n=16), although basic hygiene measures were not always taken. CONCLUSION: Occupational exposure to anticoagulants should be considered in cases of unexplained bleeding. We recommend that measures be taken to minimize the risk of occupational intoxication.
OBJECTIVE: Sporadic reports have occurred on adverse health effects due to occupational exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides. We report a case of coagulation derangement in a pest-control officer and present the results of a survey of his colleagues. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 48-year-old man worked as a part-time pest-control officer applying rodenticides 3 h a week using gloves, but no mask, and without washing his hands between applications. He developed a symptomatic coagulation disturbance, probably caused by absorption of the poisons during work. No signs of coagulopathy were found in the patient's colleagues ( n=16), although basic hygiene measures were not always taken. CONCLUSION: Occupational exposure to anticoagulants should be considered in cases of unexplained bleeding. We recommend that measures be taken to minimize the risk of occupational intoxication.