Evolution of chemical accidents and mass poisonings in Cuba: an analysis from 2010-2024

Authors

Keywords:

chemical accidents, risk management, massive poisoning, Public health

Abstract

In recent years, Cuba has faced a growing problem of chemical accidents (CA) and mass poisonings (MP). This analysis highlights the importance of addressing this current situation, especially between 2010 and 2024, given that various incidents have highlighted deficiencies in chemical risk management. Factors such as obsolete industrial infrastructure and a lack of personnel training have contributed to the high incidence of these events. Significant examples include the mass methanol poisoning in 2013 and the fire in Matanzas in 2022, which triggered evacuations and injuries. Likewise, ammonia leaks and the collapse at the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant highlight the urgent need to strengthen safety regulations and worker training. It is imperative to promote a culture of risk prevention in communities and establish educational campaigns, as well as improve inter-institutional collaboration to safeguard public health.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

Maile Salgado-Cruz, University of Matanzas. Matanzas, Cuba.

Doctor in Technical Sciences. Full Professor

Pedro Ramón Fleites-Mestres, National Toxicology Center. Havana, Cuba.

Second Degree Specialist in Toxicology. Doctor of Sciences. Full Professor

References

1. de la Osa JA, Gómez SA. La labor coordinada ayuda a salvar muchas vidas. Granma [Internet]. 2013 [citado 16/10/2024]; p. 2. Disponible en: https://www.granma.cu/granmad/2013/08/01/nacional/artic06.html

2. Venegas-Justiniano Y, Rosales-Mendoza K, EnríquezAlmanza B, Valdivia-Infantas M, Barboza-Pastrana A, HurtadoAréstegui A. Intoxicación por metanol: análisis de una serie de casos en dos Hospitales Públicos. Acta Med Peru. 2024 [citado 16/10/2024]; 41(1): 032-9. doi: https://doi.org/10.35663/amp.2024.411.2775

3. Rodríguez Milian Y. Breve cronología del incendio en la Base de Supertanqueros de Matanzas. Granma [Internet]. 2022 [citado 16/10/2024]; p. 2. Disponible en: https://www.granma.cu

4. Solanelles Rojas AM, Rodríguez Lora H, Lima Sarmiento L. Visión sistémica para respuesta médica a emergencias químicas por amoníaco del policlínico “Julián Grimau”. Rev Cubana Salud Pública [Internet]. 2020 [citado 16/10/2024]; 46(4):. Disponible en: http://scielo.sld.cu/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0864-34662020000400014&lng=es

5. Ustariz E. Controlan escapede gas anomiaco debido a la rotura de una tubería en una cámara de frio de COPMAR. Tribuna [Internet]. 2022 [citado 16/10/2024];:p. 2. Disponible en: https://www.tribuna.cu

6. Mendoza medna J. Camaguey: Registran escape de anoniaco en Fábrica de Cervezas Tinima, sin consecuencias para la salud. [Internet]. Cubadebate 2022 [citado 16/10/2024]. Disponible en: https://www.cubadebate.cu

7. Solanelles Rojas AM, Rodríguez Lora H, Apodaca Pérez EC. Estructura organizacional del policlínico “Julián Grimau” para la respuesta médica ante emergencias químicas por amoníaco. Rev Cubana Salud Pública [Internet]. 2021 [citado 16/10/2024]; 47(1):. Disponible en: http://scielo.sld.cu/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0864-34662021000100006&lng=es

8. Rizo Martínez PA. Reportan derrumbe de un tabique en el area de la chimenea de la Centra lTermoelectrica Antonio Guiteras. [Internet]. Cubadebate 2023 [citado 16/10/2024]. Disponible en: https://www.cubadebate.cu

Published

2025-05-08

How to Cite

1.
Guirola-Fuentes J, Salgado-Cruz M, Fleites-Mestres PR. Evolution of chemical accidents and mass poisonings in Cuba: an analysis from 2010-2024. MedEst [Internet]. 2025 May 8 [cited 2025 May 9];5:e315. Available from: https://revmedest.sld.cu/index.php/medest/article/view/315

Issue

Section

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Most read articles by the same author(s)

Similar Articles

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 > >> 

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.