Respiratory system, inhalation

Toxicity of EtnO (Ref 17, pp 314—15 Spec MIL-E-52171). Liquid EtnO, concentrated or dilute, when exposed to the skin can cause -severe delayed bums. Short exposures produce mild first degree bums, but prolonged exposures produce second degree bums with the formation of large blisters. Exposure to the vapor results in systemic manifestations and irritation to the respiratory system. Inhalation of ethylene oxide vapors, if. prolonged, results in severe systemic poisoning with the symptoms of nausea, vomiting, headache, dysnea, and diarthea. The anesthetic properties are similar to chloroform, but with pronounced undesirable side and after effects. 

Respiratory System Inhalation of oxygen at 1 atm or above causes a small degree of respiratory depression in normal subjects, presumably as a result of loss of tonic chemoreceptor activity. However, ventilation typically increases within a few minutes of oxygen inhalation because of a paradoxical increase in the tension of carbon dioxide in tissues, a result of increased oxyhemoglobin in venous blood, which causes less efficient removal of carbon dioxide from the tissues. 

The toxicity of allyl alcohol is moderately high, affecting primarily the eyes. The other target organs are the skin and respiratory system. Inhalation canses eye irritation and tissne damage. A 25-ppm exposure level is reported to produce a severe eye irritation. It may canse a temporary lacrimatory effect, manifested by photophobia and blnrred vision, for some hours after exposure. Occasional exposnre of a person to allyl alcohol does not indicate chronic or cnmnlative toxicity. Dogterom and associates (1988) investigated the toxicity of allyl alcohol in isolated rat hepatocytes. The toxicity was independent of lipid peroxidation, and acrylate was fonnd to be the toxic metabolite. 

The toxicity of 1-butanol is lower than that of its carbon analog. Target organs are the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Inhalation causes irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. It was found to cause severe injury to rabbits eyes and to penetrate the cornea upon instillation into the eyes. Chronic exposure of humans to high concentrations may cause photophobia, blurred vision, and lacrimation. 

Diborane acts primarily as an irritant to the respiratory system. Inhalation causes a heat producing reaction with the moisture in the lungs. Boric acid is produced by hydrolysis [1]. An acute inhalation exposure may lead to respiratory distress-chest tightness, dyspnea, nonproductive cough, and wheezing. Subacute exposure to low concentrations of diborane is more likely to produce central nervous system symptoms such as light-headedness, headache, fatigue, and drowsiness [4]. 

The use of metered-dose valves in aerosol medical appHcations permits an exact dosage of an active dmg to be deHvered to the respiratory system where it can act locally or be systemicaHy absorbed. For example, inhalers prescribed for asthmatics produce a fine mist that can penetrate into the bronchial tubes (see Antiasthmatic agents). 

Pharmaceutical powder aerosols have more stringent requirements placed upon the formulation regarding moisture, particle size, and the valve. For metered-dose inhalers, the dispensed product must be deflvered as a spray having a relatively small (3—6 -lm) particle size so that the particles can be deposited at the proper site in the respiratory system. On the other hand, topical powders must be formulated to minimize the number of particles in the 3—6-p.m range because of the adverse effects on the body if these materials are accidently inhaled. 

Mild exposure to HF via inhalation can irritate the nose, throat, and respiratory system. The onset of symptoms may be delayed for several hours. Severe exposure via inhalation can cause nose and throat bums, lung inflammation, and pulmonary edema, and can also result in other systemic effects including hypocalcemia (depletion of body calcium levels), which if not promptly treated can be fatal. Permissible air concentrations are (42) OSHA PEL, 3 ppm (2.0 mg/m ) as E OSHA STEL, 6 ppm (5.2 mg/m ) as E and ACGIH TLV, 3 ppm (2.6 mg/m ) as E. Ingestion can cause severe mouth, throat, and stomach bums, and maybe fatal. Hypocalcemia is possible even if exposure consists of small amounts or dilute solutions of HE. 

Oxygen inhalators are used as a first-aid measure for a long Hst of emergencies, including heart attacks and suffocation, and as a result are carried routinely by rescue squads. Oxygen—helium mixtures have proved beneficial in asthmatic attacks, because these permit more rapid flow of gas into congested areas of the respiratory system. 

Inhalation of aerosols or heated vapors may result in irritation of the nose, throat, and upper respiratory system. Lower molecular weight and branched-chain amines are more volatile and can cause irritation if inhaled. Volatile amines are easily recognized by their unpleasant, fishy odor. 

Inhalation exposure to high concentrations of ethylene oxide has been reported to result in respiratory system irritation and edema (236). 

Much of the concern about particulate matter in the atmosphere arises because particles of certain size ranges can be inhaled and retained by the human respiratory system. There is also concern because particulate matter in the atmosphere absorbs and scatters incoming solar radiation. For a detailed discussion of the human respiratory system and the defenses it provides against exposure of the lungs to particulate matter, see Chapter 7. 

RESPIRATORY SENSITIZER (asthmagen) A substance which can cause an individual s respiratory system to develop a condition which makes it over-react if the substance is inhaled again. Such an individual is sensitized over-reaction is then likely to occur at concentrations of the substance which have no effect on unsensitized persons and lead to characteristic symptoms, e.g. rhinitis (a runny nose), conjunctivitis or in severe cases asthma or alveolitis. 

Health Hazards Information - Recommended Personal Protective Equipment Self-contained breathing apparatus complete protective clothing safety glasses face shield Symptoms Following Exposure Inhalation causes severe irritation of upper respiratory system. Contact with liquid or vapor causes severe bums of eyes and can cause ulcers and blindness. Contact with skin causes severe burns. Ingestion causes severe burns of mucous membranes General Treatment for Exposure Get immediate... 

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