1,1,1-Trichloroethane poisoning

Stahl CJ, Fatteh AV, Dominguez AM. 1969. Trichloroethane poisoning Observations on the pathology and toxicology in six fatal cases. J Forensic Sci 14 393-397. 

Drain cleaners may contain sodium or potassium hydroxide (lye), hydrochloric acid, or trichloro-ethane. Sodium or potassium hydroxide is a caustic irritant that can affect the central nervous system (CNS) inhibiting reflexes, cause burns to skin and eyes, and is poisonous if swallowed due to severe tissue damage. Hydrochloric acid is a corrosive irritant, causes damage to the kidneys, liver, and digestive system. Trichloroethane is a skin and eye irritant, causes central nervous system depression, and liver and kidney damage when ingested. 

DDT (2,2-bis (p- chlorophenyl)- 1,1,1-trichloroethane Cl L. <> Cl Pesticide Unselective poison, concentrates up food chain... 

This section will describe clinical practice and research concerning methods for reducing toxic effects of exposure to 1,1,1-trichloroethane. However, because some ofthe treatments discussed may be experimental and unproven, this section should not be used as a guide for treatment of exposure to 1,1,1 -trichloroethane. When specific exposures have occurred, poison control centers and medical toxicologists should be consulted for medical advice. 

Gresham GA, Treip CS. 1983. Fatal poisoning by 1.1,1-trichloroethane after prolonged survival. Forensic Sci Int 23 249-253. 

In a recent study of the CUCI2-AI2O3 catalyst system, Finocchio et al. [42] discovered that at 250 °C, whereas the oxychloiination reaction occurs on copper sites, the alumina surface converts the desired product, EDC, to by-products such as vinyl chloride, trichloroethane, and dichloroethylene. The superiority of copper chloride over copper nitrate as the catalyst precursor is probably because metal chlorides are more highly dispersed than metal nitrates on impregnated alumina surfaces and, hence, expose less of the uncovered alumina surface. CuCT is also more effective than copper nitrate in poisoning the nucleophilic sites (exposed oxide anions) on alumina. 

Figure 1 Analysis of a standard volatile mixture. Column 80 m X 0.53 mm i.d. SPB-1 (5nm film). Carrier gas helium (flow rate 8.6 ml min ). Oven temperature 40°C (6 min), then to 80°C at 5°C min then to 200°C at 10°C min (run time 26 min). Injection 10pi vapor. Detector sensitivities (fsd) FID, 3.2nA ECD, 64 kHz. Peaks 1, propane 2, FC 12 3, dimethyl ether 4, isobutane 5, butane 6, BCF 7, ethanol 8, acetone 9, 2-prop-anol 10, FC 11 11, FC 113 12, halothane 13, butanone 14, hexane 15, chloroform 16, 1,1,1-trichloroethane 17, carbon tetrachloride 18, trichloroethylene 19, methyl isobutyl ketone 20, 1,1,2-trichloroethane (internal standard) 21, toluene 22, tet-rachloroethylene 23, 2,2,2-trichloroethanol 24, ethyl benzene (internal standard). (Reproduced with permission from Streete PJ, Ruprah M, Ramsey JD, and Flanagan FtJ (1992) Detection and identification of volatile substances by head-space capillary gas chromatography to aid the diagnosis of acute poisoning. Analyst 117 111 1-1127. The Royal Society of Chemistry.)...

A mystery illness that affected 17 casino workers following fumigation of the premises with a pesticide mixture that contained the carbamate propoxur (1.52), the organophosphate coumaphos (4.13), 1,1,1-trichloroethane (2.49), methylene chloride (1.25), xylene (3.15), and acetone (-0.24) was reported. Industrial hygiene evaluation revealed only trace quantities of the chemicals noted, yet pesticide poisoning symptoms were observed in the employees [43], No explanation for the effects was offered by the investigators. 

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