Toxic Gases
Historically, toxic gas was used as a weapon of war, but in the modern era most exposures are from industrial accidents, house fires, and natural disasters - Chris Stenton
HWN Suggests
Toxic gases and aerosols
Acute exposure to noxious agents causes pulmonary effects that are determined by the size of aerosol particles and by the solubility of gases. Large particles (>10 um) and soluble agents such as CS gas, ammonia, or sulphur dioxide affect primarily the upper respiratory tract, causing lacrimation, blepharospasm, rhinitis, cough, and breathlessness. Nitrogen oxides, ozone, and other agents of low solubility affect mainly the lungs, with pneumonitis and pulmonary oedema that can develop 24 hours or more after exposure. Smoke inhalation, intermediate solubility gases such as chlorine, and overwhelming exposures have effects throughout the respiratory tract. Some inhaled gases such as carbon monoxide…
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Toxic Gas Exposure
Toxic gas exposure is a rare but potentially lethal event with possibility of mass casualties. Historically, toxic gas was used as a weapon of war, but in the modern era most exposures are from industrial accidents, house fires, and natural disasters.
Articles of Interest
Toxicologic Misfortunes and Catastrophes in History
Throughout history, mass poisonings have caused suffering and misfortune. From the ergot epidemics of the Middle Ages to contemporary industrial disasters, these mass events have had great political, economic, social, and environmental ramifications. Particularly within the past 100 years, as the number of toxins and potential toxins has risen dramatically, toxic disasters have become increasingly common events.
Beyond the Burns: Toxic House Fire Gases
The two major toxic gases of interest are carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide; it is important to note that fires in other environments, such as factories or industrial sites, may result in alternative exposures based on the nature of the fire and materials present.
Chlorine Gas Toxicity
Gaseous chlorine is poisonous and classified as a pulmonary irritant. It has intermediate water solubility with the capability of causing acute damage to the upper and lower respiratory tract. Chlorine gas has many industrial uses, but it was also once used as a chemical weapon in World War I.
Dangers of Mixing Bleach with Cleaners
When bleach is mixed with ammonia, toxic gases called chloramines are produced...
EMS Responds to Toxic Inhalation Victims
Inhaled agents manifest their toxic effects by four different mechanisms: physical particulates, simple asphyxiants, chemical irritants and chemical asphyxiants. Additionally, if the inhalation occurs in the setting of a fire, heat can cause life-threatening upper airway burns.
Hydrogen Cyanide: The Real Killer Among Fire Gases
There is little that can be done in the field to detect cyanide poisoning in victims of fires or other accidents. The diagnosis of acute cyanide toxicity is primarily a clinical one, based on rapid onset of CNS toxicity and cardiorespiratory collapse. Response personnel must therefore make certain assumptions in order to initiate life-saving treatment in a timely manner. When there are victims at the scene of a fire who were exposed to smoke, cyanide poisoning should be suspected.
What is Toxic Gas?
One of the most important and simple ways that you can reduce the likelihood of toxic gas inhalation is by making sure your cylinders are secured, upright and safe. This can be achieved with the installation and maintenance of a compliant gas cage.
