Investigation of a cluster of respiratory symptoms among staff at a bank branch (94) in June 2013

On May 28, 2013, all five members of a team working at a bank branch reported irritation and respiratory symptoms (primarily a scratchy throat, difficulty breathing, and loss of voice) along with the perception of a "pungent odor," prompting the fire department to respond, followed by the evacuation and subsequent closure of the premises. The investigation conducted by the Cire Ile-de-France Champagne-Ardenne (IdF-CA) with support from the Ile-de-France Regional Health Agency (ARS) and the Paris Poison Control and Toxicovigilance Center (CAP-TV), and in consultation with technical services, occupational health, and experts (Veritas, Ile-de-France Regional Health Insurance Fund (Cramif), Central Laboratory of the Prefecture of Police (LCPP), Apave), established that the incident involved 7 confirmed cases (5 employees and 2 local residents) and 8 probable cases (among the 9 external participants who attended an on-site meeting in August 2013). Five cases sought medical care, and one case was hospitalized, possibly in connection with the symptoms. The hypothesis put forward is exposure to TXIB (2,2,4-trimethylpentanediol-1,3 diisobutyrate), a low-volatility organic compound present in trace amounts (

Author(s): Legout C, Buckenmeier N, Batbedat J, Briere J, Garnier R

Publishing year: 2014

Pages: 26 p.

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