Toxic chemicals systemic poisons

Toxic trauma can be defined broadly as the dismption of somatic systems and their function by exposure to a toxic chemical. Ingested poisoning in its conventional form is only one example of toxic trauma. As we shall see in later chapters, toxic exposure can also arise from inhalation of gases or exposure of the skin to liquids or solids. Like physical trauma, toxic trauma can produce early or late effects with potential fatality at aU stages. 

Although Mg is generally considered non-toxic, the inhalation of fumes of freshly sublimed Mg oxide may cause metal fume fever. There is no evidence that Mg produces, true systemic poisoning. Particles of metallic Mg or Mg alloy which perforate the skin of gain entry thru cuts and scratched rilay produce a severe local lesion characterized by the evolution of gas and acute inflammatory reaction, frequently with necrosis. The condition Has been called a chemical gas gangrene . Gaseous blebs may develop within 24 hrs of the injury. The lesion is very slow to heal (Ref 23)... 

Substances Hazardous to Health, See also Toxic chemicals, 19, 138, 140 Substitution, 133 Sulphur, 30 Sulphur dioxide first aid, 280, 306 physical properties, 306 physiological properties, 69, 71, 304, 305 precautions, 305, 306 vapour pressure, 305 Suppression, 135 Surface area effects, 50, 199 Symbols for dangerous substances, 446, 452 Synthetic lubricants, 159 Synthetic resins, 172 Systemic poisons, 19, 77... 

Many of these chemicals are similar to, but generally less toxic than, military chemical agents identified in other chapters of this book (e.g., nerve agents, vesicant agents, etc.). However, some of them are systemic poisons that act in ways that do not fit into one of the standard military classifications. 

Kinetic toxicology, also known as metabolic or pharmacologic toxicology, involves toxicants that are transported and metabolized in the body. Such substances are called systemic poisons and they are studied under the discipline of systemic toxicology. Systemic poisons may cross cell membranes (see Chapter 3) and act on receptors such as cell membranes, bodies in the cells, and specific enzyme systems. The effect is dose responsive, and it is terminated by processes that may include metabolic conversion of the toxicant to a metabolic product, chemical binding, storage, and excretion from the organism. 

The toxins selected for discussion in this section are found in plants that are not consumed as part of normal diets. The plants discussed are those most commonly identified in acute, systemic poisonings. These poisonings can be quite severe, although variability in the concentration of toxic chemicals may occur between and within plant species due to factors such as age and part of plant, season, and growth conditions. Historically, the use of plants has ranged from medicinal to homicidal purposes. The list of poisonous plants is extensive and varied, and can not be fully covered in this text. Human... 

We tested the urine samples that you provided, since our consultants agreed that if there is any toxic chemical in the system of the beef cattle, it would likely be found in the urine. The samples were tested by a gas chromatography technique we found that was specifically for identifying toxic chemicals in bovine urine. The results clearly showed that the urine had a very high level of colchicine, a poisonous alkaloid sometimes used to enhance plant growth. We would be happy to meet with you to show you the data that led us to this conclusion. 

Establishment of a Reporting System for Poisoning Resulting from Toxic Chemicals... 

By 1991 a few reporting systems for poisoning resulting from toxic chemicals had been established. 

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