Efficacy of sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (dithiocarb) in acute nickel carbonyl poisoning.

A brief historical resume is presented on the use of dithiocarbamates for the treatment of persons exposed to nickel carbonyl. The specificity of the treatment is demonstrated in an industrial accident in which four men were simultaneously exposed to nickel carbonyl vapors. Three of the men received dithiocarb within 24 hours after exposure and the fourth was hospitalized by his family physician and treated for bronchopneumonia with antibiotics and without benefit of dithiocarb. The three workmen who received dithiocarb became symptomless and returned to work within 72 hours after exposure. The fourth man who had not received dithiocarb died within five days after exposure.