Occupational asthma associated with exposure to X-ray developing and fixing fluid

Chemical spill involving X-ray developer and fixer resulted in the examination of a number of staff. Symptoms of exposure included light-headedness, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, and, in one case, wheezing. Hazardous ingredients identified from the material safety data sheets included hydroquinone, sodium metaborate, diethylene glycol, acetic acid, glutaraldehyde, sulphuric acid and aluminium sulphate. The results of serial peak flow monitoring of one employee supported a diagnosis of occupational asthma. The fact that environmental testing of the workplace meets the recommended standards does not guarantee freedom from problems, particularly in sensitised workers. For a sensitised individual, the acceptable exposure level is zero.