| Incident: |
An experienced researcher is exposed to dimethylmercury after just a drop of this highly toxic compound penetrated her latex glove.
 |
| Place: |
Chemistry research laboratory
|
| Time: |
3:30 pm
|
| Cause: |
Selected glove was not impermeable to material handled. Highly toxic compound penetrated rubber glove without researcher realizing it.
|
| Injuries: |
No immediate effects. Researcher suffered several episodes of nausea and vomiting three months after exposure and experienced loss of balance and trouble speaking and hearing five months post exposure. Researcher fell into a coma and died ten months post exposure.
|
| Prevention: |
Wear gloves that will not degrade or be permeated by the chemical substances you work with. Always wear gloves and other chemical-protective clothing to protect skin surfaces from toxic substances.
|
