Abstract: Tetramethylammonium Hydroxide Poison- ing during a Pallet Cleaning Demonstration: Seung-

Tetramethylammonium (TMA) is a well-known ganglion blocker and was first extracted from the sea anemone in 1923. Today, TMA’s hydroxide, tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH), is used as a developer, etchant and polishing agent in the semiconductor manufacturing process, as well as a surfactant to prevent agglomeration. One national survey found that about 20,000 tons of TMAH are being used in Korea each year. TMAH is a strong base, like sodium hydroxide. According to its Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), if TMAH solution contacts the skin, it can be fatal or cause serious burning or eye damage. Cases of poisoning and death by skin exposure to TMAH have previously been reported in Taiwan 10, . Recently, there was an accident in Korea in which the hands, arms and legs of a worker were exposed to a newly developed TMAH-containing cleaner, and the worker died within a few hours. This study examines the details and the reason for this accidental death due to acute poisoning resulting from exposure to TMAH based on the autopsy report.