Lung cancer following exposure to bis(chloromethyl)ether: a case report

Abstract

A research chemist (non-smoker) worked for two years on an investigation where bis(chloromethyl)ether (BCME) and chloromethyl methyl ether (CMME) were by-products. Twelve years after completion of the study he died of a pulmonary adenocarcinoma that had metastasized to both the bones and soft tissue. The relatively large scale (1--2 mol) on which the chemical reaction was conducted resulted in his inhalation of high doses of both BCME and CMME for this two year period. His case history is discussed with reference to other such reported instances.