Nitroglycerin (1,2,3-propanetriol trinitrate) is one of the key ingredients in dynamite. People who make or handle dynamite may become exposed to sufficient nitroglycerin to suffer a variety of symptoms that can be disabling.
Persons at risk:
(1) workers making dynamite
(2) workers using dynamite
(3) persons coming contact with the workers or their clothing
Findings:
(1) severe, throbbing headache
(2) hypotension
(3) weak pulse
(4) flushing or pallor
(5) rash, especially under and around the fingernails
(6) difficulty breathing
(7) nausea and vomiting
(8) diaphoresis (sweating)
(9) drowsiness
(10) dizziness
(11) weakness
(12) restlessness
(13) collapse in combination with alcohol or medications
(14) sudden death from other chemicals, such as ethylene glycol dinitrate
The subject shows variable symptoms during the week depending on exposure and development of tolerance, with symptoms most severe on Monday, declining during the week, and disappearing over the weekend.
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