tanks, and similar places. Some sources of inhalationchemical poisoning are listed in table 5-5.NOTE:Inhaled substances can causeolfactory fatigue.After a few minutes ofexposure, the smell is no longer detected,fooling the individual into believing thesubstance is no longer there and, thus, nolonger a danger.Carbon monoxide is the most common agent of gaspoisoning. It is present in exhaust gases of internalcombustion engines as well as in sewer gas, lanterns,charcoal grills, and in manufactured gas used forheating and cooking. It gives no warning of itspresence since it is completely odorless and tasteless.The victim may lose consciousness and sufferrespiratory distress with no warning other than slightdizziness, weakness, and headache. The lips and skinof a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning arecharacteristically cherry red. Death may occur withina few minutes.Most inhalation poisoning causes shortness ofbreath and coughing. The victim’s skin will turn blue.If the respiratory problems are not corrected, cardiacarrest may follow.Inhaling fine metal fumes can cause a special typeof acute or delayed poisoning. These metal fumes aregenerated from heating metal to boiling andevaporation during hot metal work in such operationsas metal cutting or welding. The resulting illness iscalled metal fume fever (MFF). In the Navy, the mostcommon cause of MFF is the inhalation of vaporizedzinc found in the galvanized covering of iron/steel.Proper local and general ventilation and/or the use ofrespiratory protection are necessary to prevent thisillness.The first stage of treatment for an inhalationpoisoning is to remove the victim from the toxicatmosphere immediately. WARNING: Never try toremove a victim from the toxic environment if you donot have the proper protective mask or breathingapparatus, or if you are not trained in its use. Too often,well-intentioned rescuers become victims. If help isnot immediately available, and if you know you canreach and rescue the victim, take a deep breath, hold it,enter the area, and pull the victim out. Next,1. start basic life support (the ABC+D&Es);2. remove or decontaminate the clothing (ifchemical warfare agents or volatile fuels werethe cause);3. keep the victim quiet, treat for shock, andadminister oxygen; and4. transport the victim to a medical treatmentfacility for further treatment.ABSORBED POISONSSome substances may cause tissue irritation ordestruction by contact with the skin, eyes, and lining of5-8Inhaled Substance Source of ExposureAcetone, isopropylalcohol, amyl acetateNail polish removerAliphatichydrocarbonsFuels, Stoddard solvent,PD-680, mineral spirits,naphthaButaneAThrow-away@ lightersCarbon dioxideFire suppression/fighting,evaporation of dry ice, wellsand sewersCarbon monoxide Fires, lightning, heating andfuel exhaustsChlorinatedhydrocarbonsShoe polishChlorine Water purification, sewagetreatmentChlorofluorocarbons(CFCs)Refrigerants, degreasers,propellants (old)Hydrogen sulfide Sewer, decaying materials,CHT systemMethylethylketone PaintMethylene chloride Paint stripper, solvent, dyesN-hexane Rubber cementNitrous oxide Aerosol can propellantTetrachloroethylene(perchloroethylene)Dry cleaningToluenePlastic adhesive, acrylicpaint, shoe polishT r i c h l o r o e t h a n e(methylchloroform)Solvent, degreaserTable 5-5.—Sources of Inhalation Poisoning
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