chemical poisoning Archives - Healthhype

Antifreeze Poisoning in Humans – Signs and Symptoms

Dr. Chris — Sun, 23 May 2010 20:52:55 +0000

What is antifreeze? Antifreeze is a also known as radiator fluid and is used to reduce the heat build up in car engines. Almost all antifreezes contain a compound called ethylene glycol, and some also contain methanol and/or isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol). Apart from antifreeze, ethylene glycol may also be found in brake fluid. What is antifreeze poisoning? Antifreeze poisoning is a fairly common occurrence with regards to poisoning – both accidental and intentional. Ingestion is the main path of entry into the body. Due to its sweet taste, antifreeze from leaking radiators or spilled bottles are quickly consumed by household pets (like dogs and cats). Infants who can access a poorly secured or open bottle of antifreeze may also be at risk of poisoning. Both these instances are accidental poisoning. Antifreeze poisoning, like arsenic poisoning, is often implicated in deaths due to poisoning – either murder or suicide. The sweet taste makes in fairly inconspicuous and if mixed with alcoholic drinks, it is easily missed. However, modern pathology and forensic science has made it easy for a case of antifreeze poisoning to be identified. New regulations in the United States have compelled antifreeze manufacturers to include bitter tasting additives to [...]

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Fluoride Poisoning (Toxicity) Symptoms, Effects and Treatment

Dr. Chris — Sat, 22 May 2010 22:03:00 +0000

What is fluoride? Fluoride is a halide and the reduced form of fluorine, a naturally occurring element. It is found in many different forms in a range of household substances like toothpaste, insecticides and certain dietary supplements. It is probably best known for playing an important role in dental health by preventing dental caries and assisting with tooth strength. Effects of Fluoride Fluoride in water and toothpaste works in two ways for maintaining strong and healthy teeth. In assists with the remineralization of damaged teeth and prevents the acid produced by bacteria from breaking down enamel (demineralization). In terms of fluoride toxicity, the high levels of fluoride in the system may have a range of the effects. Irritation of the mucosal lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Binds to calcium ions and affects utilization. Affects a number of enzymes responsible for energy production, transmission of nerve impulses and blood coagulation. Increases levels of potassium in the blood. Calcification of ligaments. Types of Fluoride Products Toothpaste and other oral hygiene products – sodium monofluorophosphate Dietary supplements (vitamins and minerals) – sodium fluoride Glass etching, chrome cleaning agents – ammonium bifluoride Insecticides/pesticides – sodium fluoride Fluoride Exposure and Toxicity The controversy over fluoride [...]

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Arsenic Poisoning Symptoms and Signs of Toxicity, Exposure

Dr. Chris — Fri, 21 May 2010 16:58:57 +0000

Arsenic poisoning may be accidental or intentional and depending on the source, method and degree of poisoning, the severity and range of signs and symptoms may vary. Arsenic is known for its toxicity but death due to arsenic poisoning is not immediate in most cases. Usually arsenic poisoning, whether accidental or intentional, occurs over a long period of time. Small doses of arsenic in contaminated drinking water (accidental) or intentionally added to daily meals (food and drink) leads to chronic arsenic poisoning. The signs and symptoms of arsenic poisoning in these cases develop over a period of time and are often mistaken for other conditions – gastrointestinal, neurological or immune related. When arsenic is consumed in large quantities (suicide or murder), the signs and symptoms are very acute and death within a short time is possible. Arsenic Poisoning Symptoms The symptoms may be experienced almost immediately after consuming drink or food containing arsenic or it may only be present 30 to 60 minutes after consumption. This depends on the quantity of arsenic within the food or drink and the type of food ingested. It terms of gas inhalation, the symptoms are obvious much sooner than with ingestion. Burning pain in [...]

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Sudden Vomiting and Diarrhea – List of Causes

Dr. Chris — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 22:03:36 +0000

Vomiting and diarrhea are two common ailments which may not be due to any serious cause if the vomiting is once off or the diarrhea only lasts for a day. However, the presence of both vomiting and diarrhea simultaneously may be a cause for concern, especially if it is sudden in onset and violent or explosive. In order to identify the cause, it is important to take note of other signs and symptoms like : Fever Dizziness Site of pain Event preceding the onset of vomiting and diarrhea Other chronic conditions Causes of Sudden Vomiting and Diarrhea Many of the causes below may result in both vomiting AND diarrhea, however, at other times it could only cause vomiting OR diarrhea. The development of symptoms may be linked to the intensity or severity of a condition or concentration of exposure to toxins and may only cause nausea and loose stool. Infections and Inflammation Appendicitis Gastroenteritis – refer to the articles on Stomach Bug Causes and Gastric Flu Causes. Malaria Meningococcemia Opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients (HIV/AIDS, cancer, use of immune suppressants) Peritonitis Septicemia Drugs Antibiotics – also refer to Antibiotic Associated Diarrhea Certain types of antacids Cytotoxic agents – chemotherapy for [...]

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V-Series Nerve Agents (VX Gas) – Effects, Symptoms, Treatment, Antidote

Dr. Chris — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 23:39:01 +0000

Chemical weapons are a serious concern as some of these agents can be deadly in very small doses and do not need to be dispersed with specialized equipment. One such chemical weapon that has gained recent public attention is the VX nerve agent. It should not be confused with another well known chemical agent, sarin, which is a G-series agent. The V-series nerve agents like VX are said to be 10 times more deadly than sarin. What is the VX nerve agent? The VX nerve agent, also sometimes referred to as VX nerve gas, is an extremely toxic and highly deadly organophosphate produced for the purposes of warfare. It is part of the V-series of nerve agents where the V stands for venomous. The VX nerve agent is the most well known and more important of the V-series agents. Less is known about the others such as Ve, Vg and Vm. Therefore the focus on V-series agents usually revolves around the VX agent specifially. VX is not as volatile as sarin (G-series nerve agents). Therefore inhalation of VX is not the most common route of exposure. Instead the VX liquid can more easily enter the system by being absorbed through [...]

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