Duke Medical System Hydraulic Fluid
Are hydraulic fluids harmful to humans?
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) states, “Drinking
certain types of hydraulic fluids can cause death in humans, and swallowing
or inhaling certain types of hydraulic fluids has caused nerve damage in animals
(1).”
In the Toxological Profile for Hydraulic Fluid by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services the following was revealed: “Rabbits that inhaled very high levels of one type of hydraulic fluid had trouble breathing, congested lungs, and became drowsy. The nervous systems of animals that swallowed or inhaled other hydraulic fluids were affected immediately with tremors, diarrhea, sweating, breathing difficulty, and sometimes several weeks later with weakness of the limbs, or paralysis (2).”
What is a hydraulic fluid injury?
The improper sterilization of surgical instruments at the two Duke Health System
hospitals may result in health complications. Some people are complaining of
lingering pain and infection at the site of incision, which could be a result
of the use of hydraulic fluid to sterilize the tools instead of detergent.
If you believe you are the victim of a hydraulic fluid injury, contact a North
Carolina injury lawyer at HensonFuerst immediately so we can evaluate your
case.
MORE:
What is Hydraulic Fluid?
Who Is At Risk For Hydraulic Fluid Injury?
Sources:
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (www.atsdr.cdc.gov)
Toxological Profile for Hydraulic Fluid, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Public Health Service Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, September 1997
Surgical Tools Washed With Hydraulic Fluid, the Guardian,by Estes Thompson (Associated Press Writer) published on June 14, 2005 (www.guardian.co.uk)
Free Consultation
If you or someone you know was treated at either the Duke Health Raleigh Hospital or the Durham Regional Hospital between November 4 and December 30 of 2004, contact a North Carolina injury lawyer at HensonFuerst immediately for a free and confidential case evaluation.
This law firm is not affiliated with, sponsored by or associated with the Duke University Health System, the Duke Health Raleigh Hospital, the Durham Regional hospital, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or the Guardian.
