Symptoms of exposure

The threshold limit value—time integrated average, TLV—TWA, of chlorine dioxide is 0.1 ppm, and the threshold limit value—short-term exposure limit, STEL, is 0.3 ppm or 0.9 mg /m of air concentration (87,88). Chlorine dioxide is a severe respiratory and eye irritant. Symptoms of exposure by inhalation include eye and throat irritation, headache, nausea, nasal discharge, coughing, wheezing, bronchitis, and delayed onset of pulmonary edema. Delayed deaths occurred in animals after exposure to 150—200 ppm for less than one hour. Rats repeatedly exposed to 10 ppm died after 10 to 13 days of exposure. Exposure of a worker to 19 ppm for an unspecified time was fatal. The ingested systemic effects of low concentration chlorine dioxide solutions are similar to that of chlorite. 

Dichloroethylene is toxic by inhalation and ingestion and can be absorbed by the skin. It has a TLV of 200 ppm (10). The odor does not provide adequate warning of dangerously high vapor concentrations. Thorough ventilation is essential whenever the solvent is used for both worker exposure and flammabihty concerns. Symptoms of exposure include narcosis, dizziness, and drowsiness. Currently no data are available on the chronic effects of exposure to low vapor concentrations over extended periods of time. 

Repeated exposure to ethyl alcohol results in the development of a tolerance as evidenced by decreasing symptomatic reactions. It has been demonstrated that the symptoms of exposure are less clear and the time required to produce them is greater in subjects accustomed to alcohol. There is no proof, however, of physiological adaptation in humans in terms of metaboHc changes or resistance to cellular injuries. The subject of the interaction of alcohol with other dmgs has received much attention (277). 

Observing work team members for symptoms of exposure or stress... 

Appendix C is a quick reference chart for signs and symptoms of exposure to chemical terrorism agents. The chart is only meant as a guide and is not to be all-inclusive. 

Levinsky et al. (1970) reported on three men exposed to an unknown concentration of arsine for an estimated, 2, 3, and 15 min. Signs and symptoms of exposure (malaise, headache, abdominal pain, chills, nausea, vomiting, oliguria/ anuria, hematuria, bronze skin color) developed within 1-2 h. All three individuals required extensive medical intervention to save their lives. Clinical findings were indicative of massive hemolysis and repeated blood exchange transfusions were necessary for the survival of these individuals. 

Data on acute exposures of humans to both isomers of dimethylhydrazine are limited to case reports of accidental exposures. Signs and symptoms of exposure include respiratory irritation, pulmonary edema, nausea, vomiting, and neurologic effects. However, definitive exposure data (concentration and duration) were unavailable for these accidents. The limited data in humans suggest that the nonlethal toxic response to acute inhalation of dimethylhydrazine is qualitatively similar to that observed in animals. No information was available regarding lethal responses in humans. In the absence of quantitative data in humans, the use of animal data is considered a credible approach for developing AEGL values. 

Information regarding human exposures to dimethylhydrazine are limited to a few case reports. Although case reports provide qualitative data regarding signs and symptoms of exposure, no exposure concentration data or precise exposure duration data were reported. Signs and symptoms of exposure included respiratory effects, nausea, vomiting, neurologic effects, pulmonary edema, and increased serum enzyme levels (reviewed in Trochimowicz et al. 1994). 

In contrast to either the G-series or V-series agents, the observable signs and symptoms of exposure to the GV-series agents are more insidious and tend to be very mild and transient. Even convulsions occurring just prior to death are usually milder than with G-series or V-series agents. 

This material is hazardous through inhalation and penetration through broken skin. Specific signs and symptoms of exposure to this toxin have not been established or have not been published. However, the major symptoms associated with whooping cough, the disease caused by Bordetella pertussis, are related to the effects of this toxin. 

Refer to Chapter 3 for specific details about individual biological agents including diseases caused, variations of the diseases, incubation periods, routes of exposure, transmissibility (person to person or otherwise), available vaccines, symptoms of exposure, and treatment methods. 

While the guidance provided in this book is designed to minimize exposure to weapons of mass destruction, it will not eliminate the possibility for exposure. For this reason, it is important to understand the general characteristics of nuclear, chemical, and biological agents, the symptoms of exposure, and potential treatment options. For additional details on chemical structure, chemical characteristics, pathology, and field behavior, see References 1 through 3. 

Due to its flash point of 105°C (221°F), HD and its vapors may explode if exposed to fire or munition detonation. As a form of calibration, a downwind evacuation from a 55-gallon spill should be a minimum of 2.1 miles.2 See Table 3.3 for a summary of the symptoms of exposure and potential medical treatment options. 

Minimum evacuation distances have not been calculated for PD. See Table 3.3 for a summary of the symptoms of exposure and potential medical treatment options. 

---