Poisoning swallowed poison

A small amount of acrolein may be fatal if swallowed. It produces bums of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach. Signs and symptoms of poisoning may include severe pain in the mouth, throat, chest, and abdomen nausea vomiting, which may contain blood diarrhea weakness and dizziness and coUapse and coma (99). 

Arsenic compounds must be considered extremely poisonous. Dust or fumes irritate mucous membranes and lead to arsenical poisoning. When swallowed they irritate the stomach and affect the heart, Hver, and kidneys. Nervousness, thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, cyanosis, and coUapse are among the symptoms of arsenical poisoning (3). In spite of the toxicity of arsenic compounds, there is evidence that arsenic is an essential nutrient for several animal species (4). 

In experimental work, some accidental exposures, or in the administration of medicine, the dose may be a certain quantity of the chemical administered at one time, such as in a pill, an injection, or an accidentally swallowed poison. In industry, time is a factor in most exposures, and the dose is the result of both the concentration of the toxic agent and the duration of the exposure. 

Antiflatulents are used for die relief of painful symptoms of excess gas in the digestive tract. These drugs are useful as adjunctive treatment of any condition in which gas retention may be a problem (ie, postoperative gaseous distention, air swallowing, dyspepsia, peptic ulcer, irritable colon, or diverticulosis). In addition to its use for tiie relief of intestinal gas, charcoal may be used in the prevention of nonspecific pruritus associated with kidney dialysis treatment and as an antidote in poisoning. Simethicone is in some antacid products, such as Mylanta liquid and Di-Gel liquid. 

With the exception of nicotine, the agricultural chemicals derived from plants are probably among the least hazardous to man (6). Nicotine itself is one of the most efficient insecticides. Nicotine can cause serious poisoning or death if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. 

As he recalled later, I relied upon my determination and powers of observation. I considered what my ideal insecticide should look like, and the properties it should possess. Geigy s research director, Tauger, was interested in gastric poisons that insects or their larvae had to swallow along with their... 

Ingestion of poisonous chemical If the chemical has been confined to the mouth, give large quantities of water as a mouthwash ensure that the mouthwash is not swallowed If the chemical has been swallowed, small amounts of water may be administered, more if the chemical is corrosive administer a specific antidote if one exists Do not induce vomiting Arrange transport to hospital Information to accompany the casualty Chemical swallowed Details of treatment already given Estimate of quantity/concentration of chemical consumed... 

Children are more vulnerable to lead poisoning than adults. Children are exposed to lead all through their lives. They can be exposed to lead in the womb if their mothers have lead in their bodies. Babies can swallow lead when they breast feed, or eat other foods and drink water that contains lead. Babies and children can swallow and breathe lead in dirt, dust, or sand while they play on the floor or ground. These activities make it easier for children to be exposed to lead than adults. The dirt or dust on their hands, toys, and other items may have lead particles in it. 

Pharmacologically, carbofuran inhibits cholinesterase, resulting in stimulation of the central, parasympathetic, and somatic motor systems. Sensitive biochemical tests have been developed to measure cholinesterase inhibition in avian and mammalian brain and plasma samples and are useful in the forensic assessment of carbamate exposure in human and wildlife pesticide incidents (Bal-lantyne and Marrs Hunt and Hooper 1993). Acute toxic clinical effects resulting from carbofuran exposure in animals and humans appear to be completely reversible and have been successfully treated with atropine sulfate. However, treatment should occur as soon as possible after exposure because acute carbofuran toxicosis can be fatal younger age groups of various species are more susceptible than adults (Finlayson et al. 1979). Carbofuran labels indicate that application is forbidden to streams, lakes, or ponds. In addition, manufacturers have stated that carbofuran is poisonous if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Users are cautioned not to breathe carbofuran dust, fumes, or spray mist and treated areas should be avoided for at least 2 days (Anonymous 1971). Three points are emphasized at this juncture. First, some carbofuran degradation... 

For humans, famphur is considered harmful or fatal if swallowed or absorbed through the skin, especially by children. If poisoning should occur, physicians are advised that atropine is antidotal and that pralidoxime chloride may be effective as an adjunct to atropine. Pour-on formulations are flammable, and users should keep them away from heat, sparks, and open flames including hot branding irons and cautery dehorning devices (American Cyanamid Company 1984). 

Pyrethroid poisonings in humans have been reported, but a life-threatening risk has rarefy occurred except in cases where concentrated formulations were swallowed. He et al. reviewed 573 cases of acute pyrethroid poisoning, including... 

A knowledge of the buccal absorption characteristics of a chemical can be important in a case of accidental poisoning. Although an agent taken into the mouth will be voided immediately on being found objectionable, it is possible that significant absorption can occur before any material is swallowed. 

For concentrations below 10%, the evaporation of HF is reduced and direct contact with the liquid becomes the greatest risk. If HF is swallowed, it is advisable to drink lots of water, if possible with activated carbon added, in order to dilute the acid. Small amounts in the eye can cause intense irritation of the eyelids and slow ulceration of the conjunctivae. Large amounts in the eye cause immediate blindness. As first aid treatment the eyes should be irrigated immediately and copiously with clean water for a minimum of 15 min. Immediate medical care is mandatory after all the accidents mentioned above, even if no symptoms are apparent, because respiratory problems or other symptoms of poisoning can be delayed for hours after the incident has occurred. 

All the isotopes and compounds of americium are deadly sources of radiation and cause radiation poisoning and death. Precautions must be taken when working with it. The small amount of americium-241 found in smoke detectors in household smoke alarms is harmless unless the isotope is removed and swallowed. 

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