Eye contamination

In order to reduce absorption of 1,3-DNB or 1,3,5-TNB following inhalation exposure, patients should be moved to fresh air (HSDB 1994). Following recent ingestion of a substantial amount of either chemical, emesis may be indicated unless the patient is obtunded, comatose, or convulsing (HSDB 1994). Administration of a charcoal slurry, aqueous or mixed with saline cathartic or sorbitol, has also been recommended (HSDB 1994). Following dermal exposure, it is recommended that the exposed area be washed extremely thoroughly with soap and water (HSDB 1994). Eye contamination should be treated by irrigating with copious amounts of tepid water for at least 15 minutes (HSDB 1994). 

The LD50 for penetration of rabbit skin was 12.3ml/kg after 14 days. Contact of the liquid with the skin causes erythema and irritation." Eye contamination may produce conjunctival irritation. ... 

In studies involving human exposure (Rengstorff and Mershon, 1969a, b), CS (0.1% or 0.25% in water 1.0% in triocyl phosphate) sprayed or administered as ophthalmic drops onto the eyes, caused apraxia of eyelid opening with blepharospasm upon eyelid closure for 10 to 135 s. It also caused a transient conjunctivitis but no comeal damage upon further inspection with a slit lamp. Rabbit eyes contaminated with CS as a solution (0.5-10% in polyethylene glycol), as a solid, or thermally dispersed as a smoke (15 min at 6,000 mg/m ) showed a greater toxicity with solution. CS in solution caused profuse lacrimation, conjunctivitis, iritis, chemosis, keratitis, and corneal vascularization at concentrations at or above 1%. 

Propargite exhibits very little systemic toxicity in animals. No systemic poisonings have been reported in humans. However, many workers having dermal contact with this acaricide have experienced skin irritation and possibly sensitization in some cases. Eye irritation has also occurred. For this reason, stringent measnres shonld be taken to prevent inhalation or any skin or eye contamination by propargite. 

Dry mouth occurs in about 67% of subjects and drowsiness in about 16%. Transient effects on ocular accommodation, including blurred vision and mydriasis, have also been observed, in some cases possibly due to finger-to-eye contamination. Adverse effects on the central nervous system, including toxic psychosis (5) and hallucinations, have been reported only occasionally, as have other adverse reactions, such as dry, itchy eyes, difficulty in urinating, rashes, and erythema (6). 

Diflubenzuron has very low systemic side effects, if absorbed through the skin. The exposed area should be thoroughly washed with soap and water. Eyes should be washed with copious amounts of room-temperature water for 15 min in cases of eye contamination. If small amounts are ingested, no treatment is needed. Low toxicity is seen in nontargeted species. Symptomatic treatment is recommended. 

Dermal decontamination should be accomplished by repeated washing with soap. The possibility of disulfoton sequestered under the fingernails should not be overlooked. In case of eye contamination with disu-foton, eyes should by flushed with copious amounts of clean water for 15 min. If eye irritation is persistent after decontamination, ophthalmologic consultation is required. Ipecac can be used to induce emesis in case of recent ingestion. Emesis is not encouraged if the patient is comatose or convulsing. Activated char-... 

A patient airway should be established. Suction may be used if necessary. Signs of respiratory insufficiency should be watched out for and assisted ventilations provided if necessary. Oxygen should be administered by nonrebreather mask at 10-151 min Pulmonary edema should be monitored and treated if necessary shock should be monitored and treated if necessary. Seizures should be anticipated and treated if necessary. For eye contamination, eyes should be flushed immediately with available water. Each eye should be irrigated continuously with normal saline during transport. Emetics should not be used. Eor ingestion, the mouth should be rinsed and 5 ml kg up to 200 ml of water for dilution should be administered if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool. Activated charcoal should be administered. 

Dermal contact and eye contamination are the most common routes of exposure for humans. 

Reducing the opportunity for exposure is the first line of defense. After high-dose exposure watch for signs of pulmonary insufficiency and provide ventilation if needed. Monitor for shock and treat if necessary. For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water and then irrigate with saline. For ingestion exposure, rinse mouth and use water for dilution if the patient can swallow. Do not use emetics. 

Sodium silicate solutions are considered to be harmful by ingestion, severe irritant to skin and particularly eyes. Contamination of eyes can result in permanent injury. Avoid skin and eye contact. Wear protective gloves, full face shield, rubber boots and overalls. 

Skin contamination should be treated with dimercaprol ointment. Eye contamination can be treated by application of dimercaprol (5-10% in vegetable oil) into the conjunctival sac. This... 

Dirt, dust, fibres, grit and hairs are ever-present in a non-filtered atmosphere and vary from submicrometre, invisible particles to visible, clearly definable units. Particles of below 50 pm are not easily seen by persons with normal eyes. Contamination from the environment is also dependent on the prevailing atmospheric conditions and any electrical charges carried by the particles and the materials which may become contaminated. Such charges are usually increased by dry, low-RH conditions and lessen as humidity rises. 

Students should wear safety goggles when performing dissections, heating, or while using acids and bases. Hair should always be tied back and objects should never be placed in the mouth. Food should not be consumed while in the laboratory. Hands should always be washed before and after laboratory experiments. In case of an accident, eye washes and showers should be used for eye contamination or a chemical spill that covers the student s body. Small chemical spills should only be contained and cleaned by the teacher. 

Liquids are best for decontaminating large or irregular surface areas. Hypochlorite solutions are well suited for MTFs with adequate water supplies. For hypochlorite to be most effective, it has to be relatively fresh (made daily or more frequently, particularly in a warm environment where evaporation will occur) and have a concentration of 0.5% at an alkaline pH (pH 10-11). Hypochlorite solutions are for use on skin and soft-tissue wounds only. Hypochlorite should not be used in abdominal wounds, in open chest wounds, on nervous tissue, or in the eye. Surgical irrigation solutions should be used in liberal amounts in the abdomen and chest. All such solutions should be removed by suction instead of sponging and wiping. Only copious amounts of water, normal saline, or eye solutions are recommended for the eye. Contaminated wounds are discussed later in this chapter. 

Proper body and eye protective gear (clothing, glasses, etc.) should always be used in order to minimise skin and eye contamination by bituminous materials. 

The sensitivity of the eye requires that the formulation and sterility of ocular medication are of critical importance. An inappropriate formulation can cause irritation or disruption of the mechanisms responsible for the protection of the eye. Contaminated ophthalmic preparations could, especially in the case of an injured eye, cause infections or exacerbate the infection. 

One of the first American results of the BAL investigation was the development by the Du Pont laboratories under CWS contract of Ml eye solution, a 5 percent solution of 2,3-dimercaptopropanol in ethylene glycol. Shortly after this a series of experiments indicated that a 5 percent BAL ointment was much less difficult to apply to the eyes and that, despite the pain of lewisite eye contamination, untrained personnel could probably apply effective quantities of the ointment to themselves. The service standardized BAL eye ointment in July 1943. 

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