Toxic inhalation of sodium metabisulphite by-products from a shipping container

Logistics workers who handle cargo containers are at risk of toxic inhalation injuries, although prevalence and severities of these injuries are not well characterized. We report on a previously healthy 37-year-old supervisor who was acutely exposed to sodium metabisulphite and its thermal degradation by-products during a routine inspection of a shipping container. The employee developed chemical pneumonitis with acute non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema and subsequent severe reactive airway dysfunction syndrome. Exposure to the by-products of sodium metabisulphite, a dry chemical shipped as bulk cargo, resulted in a life-changing toxic inhalation injury for a port logistics worker. This case adds to the growing body of reports documenting the hazardous exposures that may occur when workers open shipping containers. Procedures to open shipping containers safely are needed to protect worker health.