The care of burns from methyl bromide (Case report)

The potential for systemic toxicity from the vapors of methyl bromide, used as a fumigant, has been well publicized. However, because this chemical exists as a gas at room temperature, exposure to large quantities in its liquid state has not been common. Treatment of a chemical burn to the feet in a patient who had prolonged exposure to methyl bromide in an industrial spill is described. The literature is reviewed, and treatment, diagnosis, pathophysiology, and prognosis of methyl bromide toxicity are discussed.