Chemical pneumonitis secondary to ingestion/inhalation of corrosive substances- Ethylenedioxy Dimethanol & Glutaraldehyde

Chemical Pneumonitis is a chemical-induced lung injury caused by inhalation or ingestion of certain chemicals or toxic fumes. It may be caused due to cleaning agents, industrial chemicals or organophosphate poisoning. Lung injury caused by household chemicals, called Corrosive poisoning, is a common clinical entity seen in adults and children. It is often seen in young females, who are usually the victims of suicide. One commonly used corrosive agent in floor cleaners is Ethylenedioxy Dimethanol and Glutaraldehyde. Aspiration of these chemicals causes severe respiratory complications. The gold standard for diagnosis is HRCT. However, the acute injury is conservatively managed. Here we present a case of a young female who had a history of alleged consumption of floor cleaner (Bacillocid, composed of Ethylenedioxy Dimethanol and glutaraldehyde) later diagnosed with chemical pneumonitis secondary to Ethylenedioxy Dimethanol and Glutaraldehyde. The severity of the condition depends on the type or volume of chemical ingested.