An unusual case of methyl bromide poisoning

A nonlethal poisoning case by methyl bromide in a young woman due to leakage of old fire extinguishers is described. The patient developed major action and intention myoclonus the day following exposure. Inorganic bromide concentrations in plasma were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The initial plasma bromide level was 202 mg/L, 40-fold in excess than the commonly accepted tolerance limit, and decreased slowly to normal levels within 2 months. Although plasma inorganic bromide concentration is known not to be directly correlated to the severity of organic bromide poisoning, its determination was, in the present case, particularly useful to confirm the diagnosis. One year post-exposure, the patient showed no sign of central nervous system toxicity. While such a case of poisoning is particularly rare today, it illustrates, however, that the danger still exists in France although the destruction of fire extinguishers containing methyl bromide has been sought in France for more than 30 years.