Exposure signs and symptoms

Data on acute exposures of humans to both isomers of dimethylhydrazine are limited to case reports of accidental exposures. Signs and symptoms of exposure include respiratory irritation, pulmonary edema, nausea, vomiting, and neurologic effects. However, definitive exposure data (concentration and duration) were unavailable for these accidents. The limited data in humans suggest that the nonlethal toxic response to acute inhalation of dimethylhydrazine is qualitatively similar to that observed in animals. No information was available regarding lethal responses in humans. In the absence of quantitative data in humans, the use of animal data is considered a credible approach for developing AEGL values. 

Caution Ricin is extremely toxic to cells and acts by inhibiting protein synthesis. After aerosol exposure, signs and symptoms would depend on the dose inhaled. Humans can be expected to develop severe lung inflammation with progressive cough, dyspnea, cyanosis, and pulmonary edema. 

Inhalation is the major route of exposure. Diphosgene is extremely damaging to mucous membranes, eyes, skin, and the respiratory tract, and may cause minor irritation to severe tissue damage and death. Toxicity effects vary with the concentration of vapor and the length of exposure. Signs and symptoms of toxicity may be immediate or delayed. The delayed (up to 6h) acute respiratory distress syndrome is characteristic of chocking agent inhalation. 

The onset of toxicity is usually rapid, occurring within minutes of exposure. Reduced acetylcholine levels are indicators of nerve agent exposure. Signs and symptoms are dependent on the degree of intoxication and may include the following ... 

Route of exposure Severity of exposure Signs and symptoms atropine dose11,6 ... 

Hazard communication for nonmanufacturers. Chemical routes of entry, labels, physical and health hazards, exposure signs and symptoms, emergency response procedures, chemical safety off the job, and MSDSs. 

Right-to-know training for any organization that uses potentially hazardous chemicals. Effects of chemical exposure, avoiding exposure, chemical classification, routes of entry, exposure signs and symptoms, and incident response. Part of eight-volume series, Working in the Hazard Zone. ... 

OSHA s laboratory chemical standard made simple. Chemical Hygiene Plan, hazards identification, safe lab practices, permissible exposure limits, exposure signs and symptoms, monitoring, and recordkeeping. 

Reviews on the occurrence, biochemical basis, and treatment of lead toxicity in children (11) and workers (3,12,13) have been pubhshed. Approximately 17% of all preschool children in the United States have blood lead levels >10 //g/dL. In inner city, low income minority children the prevalence of blood lead levels >10 //g/dL is 68%. It has been estimated that over two million American workers are at risk of exposure to lead as a result of their work. PubHc health surveillance data document that each year thousands of American workers occupationally exposed to lead develop signs and symptoms indicative of... 

Contains the health hazards and risks, toxicological data, and first aid procedures Exposure routes and limits signs and symptoms target organs and medical conditions aggravated by exposure. 

Developmental Effects. Adverse effects of methyl parathion on hirman fetal development have not been reported. Based on studies in animals, such effects appear to be possible if pregnant women were exposed during the first trimester to high concentrations of methyl parathion that resulted in significant depression of cholinesterase levels, particularly if concomitant signs and symptoms of organophosphate intoxication occur. Such an exposure scenario may occur with occupational exposure, exposure in homes or offices illegally sprayed with methyl parathion, or accidental exposure to methyl parathion, but is less likely as a result of low-level exposure. 

Children s Susceptibility. The information on health effects of endosulfan in humans is derived mainly from cases of accidental or intentional exposure of adults to high amounts of the pesticide, and the main adverse effect is neurotoxicity. No reports of adverse effects in endosulfan-exposed children were found, but it is reasonable to assume that children will exhibit similar signs and symptoms to those in adults under similar exposure conditions. Some studies in animals have provided evidence that young animals respond to endosulfan differently than adult animals (Kiran and Varma 1988 Lakshmana and Raju 1994 Sinha et al. 1995,1997 Zaidi et al. 1985), but there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that young animals are more susceptible than older ones. Further studies that evaluate a number of different end points in young as well as older organisms would provide valuable information. 

Appendix C is a quick reference chart for signs and symptoms of exposure to chemical terrorism agents. The chart is only meant as a guide and is not to be all-inclusive. 

Neurological Signs and Symptoms in Adults. The most severe neurological effect of lead in adults is lead encephalopathy, which is a general term to describe various diseases that affect brain function. Early symptoms that may develop within weeks of initial exposure include dullness, irritability, poor attention span, headache, muscular tremor, loss of memory, and hallucinations. The condition may then worsen, sometimes abruptly, to delirium, convulsions, paralysis, coma, and death (Kumar et al. 1987). Histopathological findings in fatal cases of lead encephalopathy in adults are similar to those in children (see discussion below). 

---