Arsine delayed effects

Case reports are available regarding lethal effects of acute exposure to arsine (Pinto et al. 1950 Morse and Setterlind 1950 Hesdorffer et al. 1986). However, no definitive quantitative exposure data accompany these reports. Signs and symptoms varied depending on the exposure situation but usually included abdominal and muscle pain, nausea and diarrhea, hematuria, and oliguria. Delayed lethality, common in arsine poisoning, varied considerably. 

Effects from exposure to arsine can be delayed from 20 minutes to 36 hours depending on the level of exposure. 

Field First Aid Evacuate the Hot Zone at once when there is any release of arsine consider any victims who may have inhaled arsine to have suffered a potentially toxic dose. Although small amounts of arsine can be trapped in the victim s clothing or hair, these quantities are not likely to cause a danger for first response personnel outside the Hot Zone. Toxic effects could be delayed for up to two to twenty-four hours after exposure arsine exposure victims should all be evaluated at a medical facility. There is no specific antidote for arsine treatment is symptomatic and consists of actions to support respiratory, vascular, and renal functions. 

There is evidence 7 that repeated exposure to low concentrations of arsine results in a cumulative effect, leading to severe poisoning. Following exposure there is generally a delay in the onset of symptoms and it is difficult to state with certainty the concentration which it is safe to breathe but it has been concluded from available data that the... 

Stibine is a highly toxic gas the acute and chronic effects are similar to those of arsine. Exposure to 100 ppm in air for 1 hour was lethal to mice and guinea pigs, causing delayed death within 1-2 days. The lethal concentration in air for humans is unknown. Like arsine, stibine is a hemolytic agent, causing injury to the kidney and liver. The toxicity is somewhat lower than that of arsine. In severe poisoning, death can result from renal failure and pulmonary edema. 

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