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Hazardous chemicals are defined as agents capable of causing adverse health effects or physical danger (combustion or explosion) and are summarized in Table 115-1. Useful resources in managing patients exposed to industrial chemicals include material safety data sheets and local poison control centers. Special at risk groups include pregnant women (the medical focus should be on treating the mother first, with early obstetric consultation) and children.
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Inhaled toxins include gases, dusts, fumes, and aerosols and generally cause acute dyspnea, burning of the mucous membranes, cough, and bronchospasm. Common irritating gases include chorine, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and nitrogen dioxide. Some gases, particularly nitrogen dioxide, chlorine, and phosgene, can cause delayed pulmonary edema. Consider systemic toxicity from carbon monoxide and cyanide whenever there is a history of combustion. Some of the more common dangerous inhalations are described in Table 115-2.
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Diagnosis and Differential
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ED evaluation includes chest radiography and laboratory studies (arterial blood gas, carboxyhemoglobin, methemoglobin, and lactate) in selected cases. The role of early bronchoscopy is controversial.
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Emergency Department Care and Disposition
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Administer 100% oxygen, usually humidified, along with bronchodilators as needed. Have a low threshold for intubation because of the potential for pulmonary edema.
Prophylactic steroids and antibiotics are generally not indicated, though steroids may be considered for patients with underlying reactive airway disease and may also reduce the risk of delayed pulmonary edema from nitrogen dioxide inhalation.
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Cyanide exposure most commonly results from fires that involve synthetic materials, wool, or plastics, but may also be associated with vermicidals, precious metal reclamation, chemical laboratories, and ...