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Acute Toxicity of Respiratory Irritant Exposures

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Book cover The Toxicant Induction of Irritant Asthma, Rhinitis, and Related Conditions

Abstract

Acute toxicity of respiratory irritant exposure is a heterogeneous group of gases with similar clinical symptomatology. Symptoms are largely based on water solubility with more water-soluble irritants causing symptoms in the upper respiratory system and less water-soluble irritants causing symptoms in the lower respiratory system. Ammonia, more water soluble, and phosgene, less water soluble, are hallmark examples of exposures. Large concentration of exposure or long time of exposure may cause any symptoms along the respiratory tract. Hypoxia can occur with any exposure that limits the amount of inspired oxygen to less than 21 %. Acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome are the most severe forms of toxicity. While most of the toxicity is limited to the respiratory system, some exposures can also cause systemic effects with hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen sulfide, and cyanide being classic examples of this. Chronic symptoms can occur after a one-time acute exposure. Treatment is largely supportive, focusing on maintaining the airway and oxygenation/ventilation.

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  1. Division of Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA

    Susan Ney Miller M.D.

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Correspondence to Susan Ney Miller M.D. .

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  1. East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA

    William J. Meggs

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Miller, S.N. (2013). Acute Toxicity of Respiratory Irritant Exposures. In: Meggs, W. (eds) The Toxicant Induction of Irritant Asthma, Rhinitis, and Related Conditions. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-9044-9_4

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