Chemical vapor poisoning

One of the types of chemical intoxication is vapor poisoning. Consider the main types of body damage, methods of treatment and prevention, possible complications.

According to toxicology, a poisonous substance is a chemical compound that, when ingested into the body, has a physical and chemical effect on all organs and systems, which can lead to serious illness and even death. At the same time, poisonous components can not only penetrate into a living organism, but also be formed and accumulated in it in the process of vital activity, as well as in some pathological conditions.

Absorption through the respiratory tract is the main route of entry of harmful substances into the body. Inhalation poisoning is characterized by the fastest penetration of poison into the blood.

The behavior of vapors and gases within the respiratory tract depends on their chemical activity and solubility.

• Water-soluble gases dissolve in the water found in the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract.
• Less soluble vapors and gases (nitrogen oxides) penetrate the alveoli, are absorbed, and interact with the epithelium, causing localized damage.
• Fat-soluble substances diffuse through alveolar-capillary membranes. The rate of their absorption depends on the intensity of metabolic processes.
• Gaseous substances with high solubility in the blood, quickly absorbed and easily excreted from the lungs with exhaled air.

There is a pattern of sorption of poisons through the lungs for major groups of chemicals:

1. Unreacted vapors and gases are vapors of all carbons of the aromatic and fatty series, as well as their derivatives. They do not change in the body, their transformation is slower than accumulation in the blood.
2. Reacting gases and vapors are ammonia, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides. Such substances quickly dissolve in body fluids, enter into chemical reactions and undergo various changes.
3. Toxins and poisons, which do not obey the laws of the above described groups with regard to sorption in the body. In this case, saturation of blood with vapors/gases occurs very quickly because of the large partial pressure difference. Then it slows down, and when the partial pressure of vapors in alveolar air and blood is equalized, the saturation of blood with toxins stops.

Another variant of vapor intoxication is absorption of harmful substances through the skin and mucous membranes. The skin covers the entire surface of the body and is a barrier to physical, chemical or biological stimuli. The skin consists of the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. Of greatest importance is the epidermis, which has a multilayered and multicellular structure. In this case, poisoning occurs through the hair follicles and the exit ducts of sweat glands.

The amount of toxins that penetrate the skin depends on their solubility in water and lipids, the speed of blood flow and the size of the contact surface. In this case, the number of percutaneous poisonings increases significantly when working under high temperature conditions, when blood circulation is increased.

Epidemiology

According to medical statistics, toxins most often penetrate the body by ingestion in 74%, by skin contact in 8.2% and by inhalation in 6.7%. Intoxication is also possible when poison gets into the eyes 6%, insect bites 4% and injection less than 1%.

As for the inhalation form of intoxication, i.e. Inhalation of vapors, it most often occurs in industries associated with the use of hazardous toxins and chemicals. Damage to the body is possible with careless handling of household chemicals, pesticides, paint and other materials.

At the same time, about 30% of cases occur at home, proceed easily and are practically asymptomatic. About 15% of inhalation lesions end with fatal outcome of the victim.

Causes of the chemical vapor poisoning

Conventionally, the causes of intoxication can be divided into several groups:

1. Random

• Poisonous substances get to people who don't know what they are dealing with.
• People mistake the toxin for a safe product.
• Violation of instructions for use of household chemicals and pesticides (pesticides, herbicides, and other).
• Failure to follow safety rules when working with chemicals.
• Poisonous vapors, gases, substances are unidentifiable, enter the body by inhalation/ingestion.

2. Deliberate (suicidal). A list of most commonly used substances has been created:

• Antidepressants and analgesics.
• Narcotic drugs.
• Sedative-hypnotics.
• Chemicals and household chemicals.

In urban areas, pharmaceuticals are most commonly used, while in rural areas, household chemicals and pesticides are most commonly used.

3. Criminal - this group includes poisoning for the purpose of deliberate murder, for the purpose of helplessness, as well as for severe health disorders and imitation of certain diseases.

4. Industrial - in this case, vapor intoxication occurs when safety rules are not followed when working with hazardous substances or due to accidents/unintentional incidents.

Risk factors

There are a number of risk factors that increase the likelihood of intoxication of the body with vapors of various substances:

• Occupational hazards.
• Alcoholism, substance abuse, drug addiction and other bad habits.
• Mental illness.
• Self-treatment and use of questionable therapeutic (folk) methods.
• Frequent stress and other tense situations (suicidal poisoning).

The effects of the above factors significantly increase the risk of exposure to toxins, poisons and other life-threatening substances.

Pathogenesis

The mechanism of poisoning depends on the way of penetration of the harmful substance into the body. Intoxication is possible in the following cases:

• By contact of the toxin with skin and mucous membranes.
• If ingested by the GI tract.
• By inhaling the vapors.

Toxic substances include various pesticides and chemicals, solvents, paints, medicines, acids, alkalis, and more.

For example, the pathogenesis of alkali inhalation injury is based on collisional necrosis. Acids have local cauterizing, hemotoxic and nephrotoxic effects. Inhalation of alkalis causes deeper lesions compared to acids.

Symptoms of the chemical vapor poisoning

The symptomatology of vapor intoxication depends on the toxicity of the substance. At the cellular level, the pathological process is manifested by such signs:

• Reversible structural and functional changes in the cell.
• Premature cell death.
• Cell mutations.

If the toxic process manifests itself on the side of organs or systems, various functional reactions and organ diseases occur:

• Laryngeal spasms.
• Decreased blood pressure.
• Shortness of breath.
• Increased diuresis.
• Leukocytosis.
• Neoplastic processes.

Symptoms of poisoning at the level of the whole organism are manifested by diseases of chemical etiology and transient toxic reactions:

• Irritation of the respiratory tract and eyes.
• Sedative-hypnotic state.
• A psychodysleptic state.
• Allergic Reactions.
• Immunosuppression.
• Increased fatigue.

Intoxication can provoke ecotoxic processes that manifest themselves at the population level. First of all, it is an increase in morbidity and mortality, an increase in the number of birth defects. Decrease in birth rate and drop in average life expectancy.

Symptoms of damage to the body from the vapors of various substances depend entirely on the type of toxin. That is, the first signs of poisoning may not appear immediately.

Consider the early warning signs of intoxication using the example of inhaling paint fumes:

• Redness of the eyes, burning sensations and dryness.
• Nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, sneezing.
• Nausea and painful sensations in the liver area.
• Pale skin.
• Headache and dizziness.
• Unpleasant taste in the mouth.

Many victims compare their state to intoxication. There appears general weakness and drowsiness, a feeling of euphoria. Prolonged inhalation of chemicals provokes an increase in pathological symptoms.

Regular inhalation of paint vapors leads to chronic damage to the body. This is manifested by frequent headaches, dry non-productive cough, disorders of the digestive organs, sleep and appetite disorders, apathy, rapid fatigue.

Chemical vapor poisoning in a child

Both adults and children are susceptible to inhalation intoxication. In the latter, the poisoning is much more complicated. Toxic substances can enter the body through the respiratory tract, skin and digestive system.

Children are most often diagnosed with vapor poisoning from such substances:

• Carbon monoxide.
• Hydrocarbons (gasoline, kerosene, varnishes, paints, solvents).
• Poisonous plant vapors.
• Medications.

Symptoms of the pathological condition depend on the type of toxic substance. The main signs of body damage include:

• General malaise.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Abdominal pain, diarrhea.
• Confusion.
• Hallucinations.
• Movement disorder.
• A change in emotional background.
• Pallor/blueing of the skin.
• Heart palpitations.
• Blood pressure spikes.
• Respiratory distress.
• Change in body temperature.

In case of poisoning or suspected poisoning, call an ambulance immediately. Take the baby out for fresh air until the ambulance arrives. If the child is unconscious, put him on the floor and turn him on his side (prevents choking on vomit). Try to determine what caused the intoxication.

Do not self-medicate, especially if you do not know what caused the sickness. Many toxic substances have antidotes (neutralizers), but they can be given only when you are absolutely sure of what poisoned the child and after consultation with a doctor.

Stages

There are several stages of damage to the body by vapors of toxic substances, consider them:

1. Early (toxicogenic) - exposure of the body to a toxic substance (disruption of proteins, membrane function and other toxicity receptors).
2. Somatogenic - during this period there are adaptive reactions of the body, which are aimed at eliminating violations of homeostasis:
   • Lysosomal reaction.
   • Blood circulation.
   • Pituitary-adrenal reaction and others.
3. The period of consequences is the latent period, i.e. The stage of trace lesions of various organs that occur after removal/destruction of the toxic agent. At this stage, clinical signs of intoxication are absent.

The above classification allows the progress of the patient's condition to be monitored.

Forms

Vapor poisoning is classified according to various criteria. The most common classification of intoxication is as follows:

• The name of the toxin (paint, gasoline, arsenic, etc.).
• Group to which the toxic agent belongs (barbiturates, acids, alkalis).
• Origin (plant, synthetic, animal poisons).

The cause and location of the lesion:

• Production.
• Casual.
• Domestic (drug overdose, drug or alcohol abuse, inhalation of carbon monoxide or household chemical fumes).
• Deliberate.
• Suicidal.

One classification of intoxication is by the main effect on the body:

• Irritant-tear agents.
• Choking.
• Dermal abscesses.
• Commonly poisonous.
• Psychochemicals.

Consider the main types of intoxication, based on the pathologic reactions caused by the action of the poison:

• Acute oxygen deficiency. Toxins block oxygen access and transport (vascular acnoxemia). Carbon monoxide, cyanides, hydrocyanic acid, arsenic and hydrogen phosphate have similar properties.
• Various inflammatory processes: purulent-inflammatory, necrotic decay with strong impact on the body. Such symptoms are observed in poisoning by vapors of lewisite, nitrogen mustard gas.
• Pathological reflexes of the organs of vision, respiratory and digestive organs, muscle tissues. This category of poisons includes various tear agents, trialkyl lead salts, organophosphorus toxic compounds.
• Toxins affecting the higher functions of the central nervous system - LSD, tetraethyl lead.

Based on the type of poisoning, symptoms and the nature of the effect of toxic substances on the body, makes a plan of detoxification.

Complications and consequences

Inhalation intoxication of the body of moderate to severe degree very often leads to the development of various consequences and complications. Let's consider them by the example of some toxins:

1. Complications of mercury vapor poisoning:

• Respiratory failure.
• Chronic headaches.
• Visual, speech and auditory function disorders.
• Memory loss.
• Movement coordination disorder.
• Paralysis and paresthesias.
• Comatose.

If a pregnant woman is exposed to the vapors, it can lead to atrophy of the brain and cerebellum in the infant and the development of cerebral palsy.

2. Consequences from inhalation of paint and paint fumes:

• Tracheitis and tracheobronchitis.
• Rhinitis.
• Conjunctivitis.
• Pneumonias.
• Frequent headaches of moderate to severe intensity.
• Hallucinations.
• Chronic gastritis, gastroduodenitis.
• Renal failure.
• Hepatitis.

Very often the defeat of the body by paint and varnish materials has a chronic form. In this type of intoxication, the above complications may be supplemented by exacerbation of existing chronic diseases.

3. Carbon monoxide:

Complications from exposure to gas toxins do not manifest themselves immediately, but after several days, weeks, months. According to the speed of manifestation, the consequences are divided into early and late.

Early (manifested in 2-3 days)

• Hearing and vision impairment.
• A circulatory disorder of the brain.
• Cerebral and pulmonary edema.
• Heart rhythm disturbance.
• Severe headaches and dizziness.
• Mental disorders.

Late complications (manifested in a week to a month)

• Decreased mental capacity.
• Memory impairment, amnesia.
• Mental disorders.
• Cardiac asthma.
• Pneumonia.
• Visual impairment (partial/complete blindness).

Any concentration of poisonous substances has a detrimental effect on the body, the functioning of all organs and systems, and especially the brain. According to medical statistics, about 40% of patients affected by intoxication by vapors of various substances suffer from frequent headaches, disorders of the cardiovascular system.

Diagnostics of the chemical vapor poisoning

Diagnosis of any poisoning is made on the basis of anamnesis and clinical picture of intoxication. It takes into account the fact that some toxins and chemicals cause fairly nonspecific symptoms that can easily be confused with viral diseases. In some cases, this makes it difficult to make a diagnosis.

• For example, if carbon monoxide exposure is suspected, there are non-specific symptoms that are similar to the clinical signs of influenza. Therefore, for diagnosis, carboxyhemoglobin levels are analyzed using a CO-oximeter. A venous blood test is also possible. Metabolic acidosis may be a clue to the diagnosis.
• The diagnosis of acute ethanol poisoning is made based on the clinical picture of intoxication and anamnesis. In the early stages, the pathological state is manifested by euphoria, increased agitation, aggression. With progression, symptoms on the part of the CNS increase, and in particularly severe cases, the victim falls into a coma.
• To diagnose hydrocarbons (gasoline, kerosene, glues, naphthalene, solvents and other substances), attention is paid to the presence of disorders of the respiratory and digestive system. Also hydrocarbons have a kind of narcotic effect, which is manifested by a peculiar symptomatology of the CNS.

After collecting an anamnesis and providing first aid, patients are prescribed advanced laboratory and, if necessary, instrumental studies. The final diagnosis is made after differential diagnosis.

Laboratory diagnostics

Laboratory diagnostics is an obligatory component of a comprehensive examination of the body in case of suspected intoxication with vapors of various substances.

For example, in inhalation intoxication with mercury, the substance is found in all organs and tissues. At the same time, the optimal intensity of toxin intake into the body is 1-5 µg/day, but this indicator can increase to 10-20 µg/day.

To assess the degree of poisoning, the victim submits urine, hair, nails and other biosubstrates.

• It is mandatory to take a blood test, because organically bound mercury accumulates most of all in red blood cells. The concentration of the substance in blood cells is twice as high as in serum.
• Urinalysis is also required for medical-hygienic and toxicologic purposes.
• Hair is used to conduct retrospective evaluations of the effects of the toxin on the body.

Elemental mercury in suspension is well resorbed in the respiratory tract - up to 85%. About 52% of the ingested toxin is excreted in the urine and up to 48% in the feces. The elimination half-life of mercury vapor is approximately 50 days.

Instrumental diagnostics

Instrumental diagnostic techniques are used to evaluate local lesions from vapors of a toxic substance:

• Laryngoscopy of the oropharynx and vocal cleft.
• Ultrasound diagnostics.
• Esophagogastropy of the esophagus and stomach.

Also instrumental methods are used at the stage of recovery to determine the severity of the pathological process and the degree of damage to internal organs and other vital systems.

The following methods are used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and detect complications:

• Electrocardiogram.
• Ultrasound of the heart (allows you to diagnose various disorders and assess the functional capabilities of the organ).
• Spirogram (assessment of respiratory rate, basic indices of the lungs and respiratory system).
• Radiologic studies and more.

Also instrumental diagnosis can be used in the process of differentiation of intoxication.

Differential diagnosis

An obligatory component of the examination of the body in suspected inhalation intoxication is differential diagnosis. It is aimed at determining the root cause of the painful condition among similar symptomatic conditions.

Consider an algorithm of differential studies in suspected acute ethanol vapor exposure:

• Craniocerebral injuries.
• Acute circulatory failure of ischemic/hemorrhagic type.
• Hyperglycemia/hypoglycemia.
• Meningitis.
• Encephalitis.
• Poisonings (carbon monoxide, psychopharmacologic and narcotic drugs, ethylene glycol).
• Renal encephalopathy.
• Mental disorders.

In the process of differentiation, clinical symptoms and anamnesis are carefully studied. It also takes into account the fact that the above syndromes and pathologies can occur against the background of long-term use of alcohol, but not exposure to its vapors. In some cases, life-threatening conditions are masked under alcohol intoxication.

Treatment of the chemical vapor poisoning

The treatment algorithm for vapor poisoning depends entirely on the type of toxin, its concentration and duration of action on the body. But, regardless of the severity of inhalation intoxication, treatment consists of three main directions:

1. Detoxification therapy.

• Conservative methods of removing the toxin from the body (gastric lavage, forced diuresis, removal of poison from the skin and mucous membranes).
• Intensive detoxification treatment (antidote therapy, hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and others).
• Resuscitative detoxification techniques (used in severe and terminal casualties.

It is possible to carry out combined detoxification therapy to eliminate toxic substances with different physicochemical properties and reduce the time of intoxication.

2. Symptomatic treatment - is carried out to eliminate the symptoms of poisoning and maintain the normal function of vital organs and systems.
3. Pathogenetic therapy - aimed at preventing and eliminating possible consequences and complications of exposure to poison vapors on the body. Ensures normal functioning of the body after the incident.

In acute lesions, the victim is hospitalized in specialized departments. This is necessary for intensive supportive and corrective therapy. After discharge from the hospital, patients (especially children) are subject to dispensary observation.

What to do in case of vapor poisoning?

The first thing to do when inhalation intoxication occurs is to get the victim out into fresh air and call an ambulance.

If poisoning by paint vapors has occurred, all exposed parts of the patient's body should be washed with warm water. To eliminate toxic from the organisms, gastric lavage is carried out. For this purpose, a solution of manganese is used. Also do not forget about sorbents (activated charcoal, Smecta, Polysorb).

Until the arrival of doctors, the patient should drink plenty of fluids (warm tea with sugar, mineral water, milk). If the victim is unconscious, has no pulse or respiration, resuscitation manipulations (artificial respiration, cardiopulmonary resuscitation) are performed.

First aid in case of vapor poisoning

On the timeliness and effectiveness of first aid in the defeat of the body by vapors of various toxins, largely depends on the prognosis for recovery.

If intoxication by paint fumes has occurred, these activities are carried out before the arrival of medics:

• Evacuation of the casualty to fresh air.
• Abundant alkaline drinking (milk with soda, water with sugar and soda).
• If the patient is unconscious, he is turned on his side to prevent aspiration of vomit.
• Indirect massage and other resuscitative measures are indicated in case of impaired breathing or intermittent heart rhythm (performed with the necessary skills).

Self-treatment of medicines is contraindicated, except for sorbents. Self-medication can worsen an already painful condition and cause death. Therefore, further treatment is handled by physicians in the toxicology department of the hospital.

Drug treatment

Drug therapy for inhalation poisoning depends on the toxic substance that affected the body. First of all, patients are prescribed antidotes (if available), and then drugs to restore and maintain normal function of all organs and systems.

• Inorganic compounds of mercury.

At the first stage of treatment, patients are prescribed drugs with active dithyl groups (Allithiamine, Succimer, Unithiol, Penicillamine, D-penicillamine). In renal failure, peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis are additionally performed.

In chronic intoxication, N-acetyl-DL-penicillamine, D-penicillamine, Penicillamine are used. Symptomatic therapy is also carried out, the drugs of which are aimed at eliminating the signs of heavy metal damage.

• Paint, coating materials, solvents.

If the victim is delivered in a serious condition, he is connected to an oxygen mask and put drips with therapeutic solutions. Rehydration solutions, medicines to remove toxins and support the heart muscle are prescribed to treat dehydration.

All drugs are selected by a doctor, individually for each patient, focusing on the severity of the patient's condition and the type of toxin.

• Methane (carbon monoxide, household gas).

To eliminate the products of poisoning from the body prescribe the antidote Acizol, as well as drips with antihypoxants and drugs to normalize heart function. To neutralize toxins, sorbents are used, which contribute to the purification of the body. Most often patients are prescribed the drug Polysorb.

Once the patient's condition is stabilized and the main deviations in the work of organs and systems are identified, complex drug therapy is prescribed. To control inflammatory processes in the respiratory tract, anti-inflammatory drugs such as Pulmicort, Budesonide are used. To reduce muscle tone and prevent spasms - Levodop, Amantadine. In severe pain, analgesic drugs such as Asirin, Novigan are indicated.

Vitamins

Vitamins are highly active organic compounds that are not produced in the body but come from food. Vitamins are part of enzymes and take part in important metabolic processes.

Vitamin and mineral preparations are one of the components of the complex treatment of the defeat of the body by toxic substances, poisons, chemicals.

Consider the most essential vitamins for proper body function:

• B12 - supports the functioning of the nervous system, takes part in the formation of nerve fibers. Stimulates the development of red blood cells, provides carbohydrate metabolism, participates in the synthesis of amino acids.
• B2 - takes part in glucose metabolism, oxygen transport and fatty acid oxidation.
• A - antioxidant, increases the content of "good" cholesterol in the body, supports the immune system. Prevents cardiovascular diseases, improves the condition of the skin and mucous membranes.
• C - stimulates the endocrine system, promotes the removal of free radicals. Ascorbic acid is necessary for the growth of connective tissue, production of carnitine, which participates in the energy metabolism of the body.
• B1 - supports the immune and nervous systems, energy metabolism, memory. Participates in the formation of hemoglobin.
• E - restores muscle fibers, stimulates the growth of new cells. Cleans blood vessels, reduces cholesterol, normalizes the reproductive system.
• B6 - ensures the metabolism of amino acids in the body. It blocks sudden spikes in blood glucose levels, maintains the balance of potassium and sodium in body fluids.
• B9 - folic acid stimulates the production of happy hormones, supplies carbon for the synthesis of hemoglobin. It has a favorable effect on the synthesis of amino acids and enzymes.
• PP (B3) - nicotinic acid is involved in the oxidative-reductive processes of the body. Stimulates tissue growth, affects fat metabolism, promotes the transformation of sugar into energy. Prevents inflammatory processes, is involved in the synthesis of hemoglobin.

Vitamins are prescribed together with tonic and anti-allergic agents, diet therapy. This allows maximum care of the body and accelerate regenerative processes.

Physiotherapy treatment

Physiotherapy for vapor poisoning is most often carried out at the stage of recovery of the patient. For this purpose, sanatorium-resort treatment is prescribed, aimed at comprehensive recovery of the body.

If, as a result of intoxication, the victim developed respiratory failure, oxygen therapy, inhalation procedures are indicated. Mandatory stimulation of regenerative processes aimed at healing damaged organs and tissues.

Mesodiencephalic modulation is indicated as an anti-stressor treatment, which reduces the body's response to stress. Also physiotherapeutic treatment can be combined with drug therapy, as exposure to some physical factors increases the effect of drugs, significantly reducing their consumption and the risk of adverse reactions.

Folk treatment

Methods of folk therapy are aimed at accelerating the elimination of toxins and maintaining the normal functioning of the body.

• Pour 20 g of ergot herb into a thermos and pour 1.5 liters of boiling water. The decoction should be insisted for 1-2 hours. Ready drink is divided into ten receptions, taking 3 times a day.
• Take a tablespoon of dill (greens, stems, crushed seeds) and pour 250 ml of boiling water. Boil the remedy on low heat for 20 minutes. After cooling, strain and add boiling water to the original volume. Take ½ cup, adding 1 teaspoon of honey.
• A tablespoon of chopped chicory grass with flowers pour 250 ml of boiling water and leave to infuse overnight. Divide the resulting infusion into 3-4 meals.

The above recipes should be used after consultation with a doctor. The doctor should assess the appropriateness of using folk methods.

Herbal treatment

Phytotherapy recipes are used to speed up the healing process and relieve the condition of the injured person.

• Take 20 g of dried licorice root and pour 500 ml of water. Put the mixture on low heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes after boiling. As soon as the decoction cools down, strain it and take ½ cup 2-3 times a day until the general condition improves.
• Take a bunch of fresh mint and melissa. Pour boiling water over the herbs and let them infuse until they cool down. Plant raw materials are removed, and the decoction is taken 1/3 cup in a warm form during the day.
• Two tablespoons of dried horsetail herb pour 250 ml of boiling water and let infuse for 40 minutes. Strain, cool, take small portions during the day.

Use the above recipes can be used only after consultation with the attending physician.

Homeopathy

An alternative and rather controversial therapeutic technique used for various pathological conditions, including intoxication, is homeopathy. In case of vapor poisoning, it can be used at the stage of recovery of the patient, i.e. As a symptomatic remedy.

• Arsenicum - vomiting, diarrhea, physical weakness, increased nervousness and anxiety. Painful sensations in the lower abdomen.
• Carbo vegetabilis - most often this remedy is used for food intoxication. The patient has abdominal bloating, burning pains and bloating. Symptoms also include severe weakness, cold sweats, respiratory depression, and blueing of the lips and skin.
• Hina - severe dehydration, weakness, broken bones and joints. Abdominal bloating, nausea and vomiting, increased irritability, sleep disturbances, anxiety.

Take the above medicines should be taken after consultation with a homeopathic doctor, who examines in detail the patient's anamnesis and clinical picture.

Prevention

To minimize the risk of inhalation of various toxins and chemicals, it is important to follow safety rules when working with potentially hazardous substances.

Let's consider the prevention of vapor poisoning on the example of paint and varnish materials:

• Work with the substance must be carried out in a well-ventilated room.
• If a large amount of work is planned, a respirator or mask should be worn.
• Work should be carried out with gloves and eyes should be covered with special tight-fitting goggles.
• Work breaks every 1-2 hours, with 20-30 minutes of fresh air.
• If the paint gets on the skin, it should be removed with a gauze/rag soaked in a solution of laundry soap.
• A freshly painted room should not be used for eating or storing food or sleeping.

Prevention of household gas poisoning consists of these recommendations:

• Regular inspection of gas equipment and timely elimination of faults (for this purpose contact the gas service).
• Ensuring that appliances are inaccessible to children.
• Use of personal protective equipment when working in a poorly ventilated area.
• Installation of special sensors to register the concentration of gaseous substances in the air (used at various enterprises and production facilities).

Recommendations for preventing mercury vapor intoxication:

• If a thermometer is broken in a room, the first thing to do is to open the windows wide open (regardless of the weather outside). The room should be ventilated and cooled. Make sure that there are no drafts, as the metal balls may be blown away.
• Change into protective clothing, covering hands and face (gauze bandage soaked in water).
• Prepare a solution of manganese and soapy water to treat the contaminated room.
• Use a piece of paper to collect the mercury balls, carefully checking all cracks and corners. Place the collected metal in a container with manganese.
• Use the remaining manganese and then a soapy solution to wash the floors and furniture.
• Do not use a vacuum cleaner to collect mercury as it will have to be disposed of later.
• Do not flush mercury residue down the drain. Dispose of clothing and other items that have come in contact with liquid metal.
• Thoroughly rinse the mouth and flush the nasal passages. Take activated charcoal (1 tablet per 10 kg body weight).
• Call a demercurization service.

Properly carried out preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of intoxication of the body.

Forecast

The prognosis of vapor poisoning depends on the severity and extent of damage to vital organs and systems. If inhalation intoxication has caused pulmonary edema, collapse and other irreversible conditions, the prognosis is rarely positive.

Also the prognosis is influenced by correct and timely first aid. When neutralizing the toxin and its removal from the body, the outcome of poisoning depends on the complications and consequences of the pathological condition.