Xylene Poisoning: A Report on One Fatal Case and Two Cases of Recovery after Prolonged Unconsciousness

Abstract

Three cases of xylene poisoning occurred after prolonged inhalation of paint fumes. Analysis showed that xylene comprised more than 90% of the solvent in the paint, the total solvent comprising 34% of the paint by weight. One patient was dead on admission, while the other two recovered after at least 15 hours' loss of consciousness. Both patients had transient liver cell damage, and one temporary impairment of renal function.