What is the most common chemical asphyxiant?
If untreated, asphyxiant exposure can lead to myocardial damage, permanent neurological deficits, and death. The most common source of asphyxiant poisoning is CO, with more than 50,000 cases annually in the United States primarily related to fires, motor exhaust, and gas leak.
What chemicals can cause asphyxiation?
Chemicals that can cause asphyxia include:
- Carbon monoxide. This is a colorless, odorless gas that comes from burning different types of fuel.
- Cyanide. It keeps cells from taking oxygen in.
- Hydrogen sulfide. This gas smells like a rotten egg.
What are the two types of asphyxiants?
Asphyxiants are gases that deprive body tissues of oxygen. They are generally divided into two categories, simple and chemical. 1 Simple asphyxiants merely displace oxygen from ambi- ent air whereas chemical asphyxiants react in the human body to interrupt either the delivery or utilization of oxygen.
Is carbon dioxide an asphyxiants?
An asphyxiant is a gas or vapor that can cause unconsciousness or death by suffocation (asphyxiation). Asphyxiants with no other health effects may be referred to as simple asphyxiants. Examples of simple asphyxiants include nitrogen, argon, helium, methane, propane, and carbon dioxide.
Which is an example of a chemical asphyxiant?
Examples of these gases with an asphyxiant hazards include hydrogen, methane, and nitrogen. A chemical asphyxiant is more serious hazardous as it interferes with the transportation or absorption of oxygen in the body.
How are asphyxiants related to tissue hypoxia?
Asphyxiants are gases that cause tissue hypoxia. They are classified as either simple or chemical on the basis of the mechanism of toxicity. Simple asphyxiants decrease FiO2by displacing oxygen in inspired air, results in hypoxemia.
What are the side effects of chemical asphyxia?
Chemical asphyxiants interfere with oxygen transport system and cellular respiration and thereby cause tissue hypoxia. Mild symptoms of asphyxia include headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
When to misdiagnose a simple asphyxiant exposure?
When obvious historical evidence or a heightened suspicion for an acute inhalation exposure does not exist, misdiagnosis and maltreatment are likely to occur. Clinical diagnosis of simple asphyxiant exposure is limited.