A Case of Severe Pleural Effusion and Pulmonary Dysfunction Associated with Occupational Exposure to Asphalt Tar Smoke is Reported

  • Yipiao Liu the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University
  • Wentao Wang the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University
  • Yuan Zhang the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University
  • Xiao Fu the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University
DOI: https://doi.org/10.18686/aem.v12i2.361
Keywords: Asphalt Fumes, Pleural Effusion, Pulmonary Function, Occupational Exposure

Abstract

Asphalt and tar transportation personnel are often exposed to the polluted air environment of asphalt fumes, tar and diesel exhaust. This long-term occupational exposure can adversely affect lung function, causing fibrosis, pleural effusion, and inflammation. This paper reports a case of pleural effusion in a 35-year-old male who had been engaged in asphalt paving and transportation for 5 years. There was no occupational exposure protection during the working period. The patient had dyspnea, expectoration, and pleural effusion for more than 1 month. After admission, thoracic drainage and pleural cauterization dissection were performed, and the symptoms were relieved. However, pulmonary fibrosis and visceral pleural thickening are challenging to reverse, and patients still have pulmonary dysfunction and the risk of continuing to develop lung consolidation. Therefore, the personnel engaged in asphalt and tar transportation should be well-protected to reduce occupational exposure.

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Published
2023-06-01
Issue
Vol 12, No 2 (2023)
Section
Original Research Article

Copyright (c) 2023 Yipiao Liu

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