Duke Medical System Hydraulic Fluid
What is hydraulic fluid?
Hydraulic fluid is a collective mix of liquid chemicals used in a variety of machinery ranging from automatic transmissions and brakes in cars to industrial machines such as forklifts and bulldozers.
Hydraulic fluids serve the function of transferring pressure from one point to another and are most commonly found in machines that push, pull, lift and hold heavy objects. The fluid in the North Carolina hydraulic fluid injury cases at the Duke Health Raleigh Hospital and the Durham Regional came from an elevator while it was being serviced.
What are the different types of hydraulic fluids?
There are three commonly used hydraulic fluids today: 1) mineral oil, 2) organophosphate ester and 3) polyphaolefin. Mineral oil hydraulic fluids are derived from crude oil, while organophosphate ester and polyphaolefin are manufactured. They range in color and can be odorless or possess a strong chemical smell. Most hydraulic fluids are thick and oily; operating room doctors and nurses at the Duke Health System hospitals complained about slick tools before the problem was discovered.
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.
