Organic solvents respiratory

Nomiyama K, Nomiyama H. 1974a. Respiratory elimination of organic solvents in man. Int Arch Arbeitsmed 32 85-91. 

HD vapors are heavier than air and tend to seek lower elevations. HD is slightly soluble in cold water and soluble in most organic solvents. Exposure in any concentration will cause severe choking. Exposure to vapors in low to moderate concentrations will cause temporary blindness and inflammation of the entire respiratory tract. Higher concentrations cause permanent blindness and strip the bronchial tubes of their mucus membrane linings. 

Nomiyama K, Nomiyama H. 1974a. Respiratory retention, uptake and excretion of organic solvents in man Benzene, toluene, n-hexane, trichloroethylene, acetone, ethyl acetate and ethyl alcohol. Int Arch Arbeitsmed 32 75-83. 

Cocaine HCl is an alkaloid derived from the leaves of the South American coca plant. The free base alkaloid, made by extraction from cocaine HCl, is relatively insoluble in water, but dissolves in a variety of organic solvents. There has been a dramatic increase in the use of cocaine free base, which is most commonly known by its street name "crack". Since free base is not destroyed by heating, but rather vaporizes, it can be smoked and inhaled [129]. This provides speedy absorption from the respiratory tract inducing a short-lived but rapid euphoria. The free base is also well absorbed by nasal, vaginal, gastrointestinal and subhngual mucous membranes. Cocaine can be injected intravenously, intramuscularly or subcutaneously. Crack is often combined with heroin or other drugs of abuse and taken intravenously [128]. Cocaine is detoxified by cholinesterases and cocaine or its metabolites may be present in the urine for one to two days after use. 

The literature on the toxicity of benzene in humans is extensive. The acute effects of benzene exposure generally differ markedly from the chronic effects. Acute exposure to high doses of benzene in air (at concentrations in excess of 3000 ppm) causes symptoms typical of organic solvent intoxication. Symptoms may progress from excitation, euphoria, headache, and vertigo, in mild cases, to central nervous system depression, confusion, seizures, coma, and death from respiratory failure in severe cases. The rate of recovery depends on the initial exposure time and concentration, but, following severe intoxication, the symptoms may persist for weeks. 

Steinhauer SR, Morrow LA, Condray R, et al Respiratory sinus arrhythmia in persons with organic solvent exposure comparisons with anxiety patients and controls. Arch Environ Health 56 175-180, 2001... 

PS Clear liquid smelling like flypaper it has an immediately strong irritating effect on the eyes and respiratory tract. May cause severe nausea. Colorless, oily liquid with a stinging pungent odor. Insoluble in water soluble in organic solvents. 

Certain respiratory tract irritants, including a number of fluorocarbons, can produce cardiac arrhythmias. Such effects may be attributed to the reduction of coronary blood flow, depression, or contractility and sensitization of the heart to epinephrine and several other factors. Many lipid-soluble substances can depress cardiac contractility. These include organic solvents, many general anesthetics, and aminoglycoside antibiotics. 

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