INHALATION INJURY CAUSED BY TOXIC GASES

Abstract

Acute damage to the respiratory system caused by inhalation of toxic agents is usually a sporadic event that occurs as a consequence of an accidental chemical release in a workplace or a smoke inhalation from a residential fire. When chemical disasters or fire cause widespread exposures, however, acute inhalation injury can be a common occurrence (Miller, 2003). Toxic, inhaled substances differ in physical andchemical qualities; this affects their toxicity and siteof action. Gases are formless liquids that can expandto occupy an available space. Fumes form when asolid, which has been volatilized by evaporation orvaporization, condenses in cool air. Dusts are suspensions of solid particles in a gaseous media. Smoke results from the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing material including oil and coal (Winder, 2004). Most often, exposures are to mixtures of many diverse chemicals, which may be present as gases and particles, thus forming aerosols, as is the case with burning wood, plastics or other materials(Winder, 2004).