Hydrocarbons toxic effects

Walters JM, Cain RB, Corner EDS, Higgins IJ (1978) Cell-free benzpyrene hydroxylase activity in marine zooplankton. Proc Soc Gen Microbiol 5 68-69 Walters JM, Cain RB, Higgins IJ (1979a) Increased levels of 3,4-benzopyrene hydroxylase activity in marine zooplankton on exposure to hydrocarbons toxic effect of biphenyl. Proc Soc Gen Microbiol 6 38-39... 

Some authorities question whether dmnkeimess can result from the inhalation of ethyl alcohol vapors. Experience has demonstrated that in any event such intoxication is indeed rare (281). There is no concrete evidence that the inhalation of ethyl alcohol vapor will cause cirrhosis. Liver function is definitely impaired during alcohol intoxication (282), making the subject more susceptible to the toxic effects of chlorinated hydrocarbons. 

Landrigan PJ Mount Sinai School of Medicine of CUNY, New York, NY Lead and organochlorines in New York City study the current urban sources, environmental distribution and toxic effects on human health of lead and persistent chlorinated hydrocarbons—in particular PCBs and DDT National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences... 

Yoshikawa, T., L.P. Ruhr, W. Flory, D. Giamalva, D.F. Church, and W.A. Pryor. 1985. Toxicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. I. Effect of phenanthrene, pyrene, and their ozonized products on blood chemistry in rats. Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 79 218-226. 

Methods for Reducing Toxic Effects. There are no compound-specific methods for reducing the toxic effects of hexachloroethane. The mitigation procedures suggested (Bronstein and Currance 1988 Stutz and Ulin 1992) are applicable to exposure to volatile chlorinated hydrocarbons as a class and are not specific for hexachloroethane. 

At the initial stages of a release, when the benzene-derived compounds are present at their highest concentrations, acute toxic effects are more common than they are later. These noncarcinogenic effects include subtle changes in detoxifying enzymes and liver damage. Generally, the relative aquatic acute toxicity of petroleum will be the result of the fractional toxicities of the different hydrocarbons present in the aqueous phase. Tests indicate that naphthalene-derived chemicals have a similar effect. 

There are indications that pure naphthalene (a constituent of mothballs, which are, by definition, toxic to moths) and alkylnaphthalenes are from three to 10 times more toxic to test animals than are benzene and alkylbenzenes. In addition, and because of the low water solubility of tricyclic and polycyclic (polynuclear) aromatic hydrocarbons (i.e., those aromatic hydrocarbons heavier than naphthalene), these compounds are generally present at very low concentrations in the water-soluble fraction of oil. Therefore, the results of this smdy and others conclude that the soluble aromatics of crude oil (such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes, and naphthalenes) produce the majority of its toxic effects in the enviromnent. 

The assessment of health effects due to exposure to the total petroleum hydrocarbons requires much more detailed information than what is provided by a single total petroleum hydrocarbon value. More detailed physical and chemical properties and analytical information on the total petroleum hydrocarbons fraction and its components are required. Indeed, a critical aspect of assessing the toxic effects of the total petroleum hydrocarbons is the measurement of the compounds, and the first task is to appreciate the origin of the various fractions (compounds) of the total petroleum hydrocarbons. Transport fractions are determined by several chemical and physical properties (i.e., solubility, vapor pressure, and propensity to bind with soil and organic particles). These properties are the basis of measures of teachability and volatility of individual hydrocarbons and transport fractions (Chapters 8, 9, and 10). 

Berger ML, Sozeri T. 1987. Rapid halogenated hydrocarbon toxicity in isolated hepatocytes as mediated by direct solvent effects. Toxicology 45 319-330. 

Petroleum hydrocarbons (oil and combustion by-products such as PAHs) Runoff and atmospheric deposition from land activities shipping and tanker operations accidental spills, coastal and offshore oil and gas production natural seepage Toxic effects including birth defects, cancer, and systemic poisoning. Tar balls degrade beach habitat. 

Particular attention has been focused on the toxic effects of aromatic hydrocarbons because these chemicals have proven highly carcinogenic to humans and marine life. Of greatest concern are the PAHs, which are toxic to the benthos at the ppb level. The most common compounds are shown in Figure 28.20 their structures are based on fused aromatic rings. These high-molecular-weight compoimds are very nonpolar and, hence, have low solubilities. Once in seawater, they tend to adsorb onto particles and become incorporated in the sediments. The toxicity of PAHs is enhanced by photochemical reaction with UV radiation. Photo-activated toxicity is especially problematic in shallow-water sediments, such as found in estuaries. 

An essential step of TCDD toxic effects, including its carcinogenic potential, is its binding to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) at the pM range. Deletion of... 

Falk-Petersen IB, Kjorsvik E, Lonning S, et al. 1985. Toxic effects ofhydroxylated aromatic hydrocarbons on marine embryos. Sarsia 70 11-16. 

Although petroleum oils have for a long time been used effectively as insecticides, the manner in which they produce toxic effects is not known. Relatively little work has been directed at this seemingly important point. In fact, the mode of action of oils when used as insecticides has been largely a matter of speculation. Undoubtedly, our meager knowledge on this point has hampered the development of more effective hydrocarbons. 

Mutti, A., Falzoi, M., Romanelli, A., Bocchi, M.C., Ferroni, C. Franchini, 1. (1988) Brain dopamine as a target for solvent toxicity effects of some monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Toxicology, 49, 77-82... 

The exact mechanism of action of most volatile substances remains unknown. Altered function of ionotropic receptors and ion channels throughout the central nervous system has been demonstrated for a few. Nitrous oxide, for example, binds to NMDA receptors and fuel additives enhance GABAa receptor function. Most inhalants produce euphoria increased excitability of the VTA has been documented for toluene and may underlie its addiction risk. Other substances, such as amyl nitrite ("poppers"), primarily produce smooth muscle relaxation and enhance erection, but are not addictive. With chronic exposure to the aromatic hydrocarbons (eg, benzene, toluene), toxic effects can be observed in many organs, including white matter lesions in the central nervous system. Management of overdose remains supportive. 

Polychlorinated hydrocarbons, such as polychlorinated dibenzodioxins, dibenzofurans, and biphenyls exist as a number of different congeners. Some of these are geometric isomers. Many cause a range of toxic effects that are believed to be mediated by interaction with the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) (they are known as pleiotropic effects). However, not all the isomers cause these effects because they do not all interact with the AhR receptor. To interact with this receptor, the molecule needs to be flat (planar). It can be seen in the diagram (Fig. 5.2)... 

NOXIOUS CAS. Any natural or by-product gas or vapor that has specific toxic effects on humans or animals (military poison gases are not included in this group). Examples of noxious gases are ammonia, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, ozone, fluorine, and vapors evolved by benzene, carbon tetrachloride, and a number of chlorinated hydrocarbons. Oases that act as simple asphyxiants are not classified as noxious. See also Pollution (Air). 

Wattenberg LW. 1972. Inhibition of carcinogenic and toxic effects of polycyclic hydrocarbons by phenolic antioxidants and ethoxyquin. J Natl Cancer Inst 48 1425-1430. 

The toxic effects associated with PCN exposures in humans and wildlife are, in general, characteristic of effects due to chlorinated hydrocarbons such as 2,3,7,8-TCDD. For instance, chloracne, vitamin A depletion, edema and liver damage have been observed in animals exposed to TCDD. The human toxicity and mechanistic relationship of PCNs to TCDD may be useful in understanding these classes of compounds. Particularly, acute and subacute exposures of humans and cattle to PCNs may provide important clues to the toxic effects at high levels for other dioxin-like compounds. 

Solid trinitrotoluene (TNT) has been widely used as a military explosive. TNT is moderately to very toxic and has caused toxic hepatitis or aplastic anemia in exposed individuals, a few of whom have died from its toxic effects. It belongs to the general class of nitro compounds characterized by the presence of -N02 groups bonded to a hydrocarbon structure. 

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