Acute poisoning due to alkalis used during industrial cleaning of soft drinks' glass containers: a case report
Stefanidou, M.; Georgiou, M.; Koupparis, M.; Koutselinis, A.
Veterinary and Human Toxicology 39(5): 308-310
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0145-6296 PMID: 9311091 Document Number: 478528
Corrosive alkalis are used in the soft drink and beer industries for the cleaning of the non-disposable glass containers using several different methods. It is well understood that complete cleaning of these vessels by multiple and well-organized rinsing is an absolute necessity. In cases of disturbance of this process, some residuals of alkaline agents may be retained in the glass containers, causing severe health risks to consumers. This case of acute poisoning due to caustic alkalis concerns a young woman who consumed carbonated lemonade from a non-disposable glass container. Clinical signs and symptoms and the treatment of the affected woman are described. Toxicological analysis of the soft drink consumed led to the detection, identification and quantitative determination of the presence of the alkalis.