TOXIC MATERIAL CONTROL

Objectives Identify different states of toxic substances Identify routes of entrance Describe five biological effects of toxic material List toxic material that are a threat and their effects List preventive measures for toxic material

Physical States GasLiquidVaporMistSolidDustFume

Routes of Entry InhalationAbsorptionIngestionInjection

Inhalation Signs/Symptoms: Instant coughing, burning in throat and chest pain. If delayed could lead to conditions such as: Asbestosis and chronic lung disorders

Absorption Signs/Symptoms: local reddening at skin or raised blister like lesions

Ingestion Signs/ Symptoms: May lead to diarrhea and vomiting. May have burning lips or throat.

Injection Most times accidental At times through trauma: Needles, gas pressure line, high pressure gas line May occur through lacerations or puncture wounds

Biological Effects of Toxics Materials IrritantsAsphyxiates Systemic poisons Carcinogens

Irritants Cause irritation and inflammation of mouth, eyes, nose, lungs. Typically seen with material such as: Sulfur dioxide, acetic acid, formaldehyde, etc.

Asphyxiates Causes a displacement of oxygen or causes the body to become incapable of using oxygen. Seen with use of: Nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, etc.

Systemic Poisons Affects the internal organs caused by exposure to organic solvents Material such as Methylene chloride, carbon tetrachloride.

Carcinogens Exposure to these have been known to cause or increase the chances of causing cancer. Formaldehyde and pesticides

Medical Threat Toxic Material Carbon Monoxide Hydrogen Chloride Bore/Gun gases Liquid Chemicals

Carbon Monoxide Source: Internal combustion engines, space heaters, explosives Hazard due to inability to detect Signs/Symptoms: Headache, tiring, nausea, and death

Hydrogen Chloride Sources: Exhaust from rocket systems Produce hydrochloric acid upon mixture with water. Signs/Symptoms: Irritation of eyes, throat & lungs, cough, acid burn,flu like symptoms

Bore and Gun Gases Tank Guns and Artillery Cannons Release carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen Signs/Symptoms: Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, lung irritation

Liquid Chemicals Sources: Lubricants, solvents, fuels Wide spread use on day to day basis, unexpected exposure, may cause cancer or other harmful effects on body. Signs/Symptoms: skin irritation, rash, burn, abnormally dry skin, infection May also cause organ damage Liver Liver Brain Brain

Prevention of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevent accumulation of exhaust Turn on engines outside Provide ventilation for work/sleep areas

Prevention of Hydrogen Chloride Position soldiers upwind Provide respirators if necessary

Prevention of Bore/Gun Gases Ensure on board use of ventilation systems Ensure proper maintenance of bore evacuator systems

Prevention of Liquid Injuries Minimize exposure Use of protection: gloves, goggles, respirators Medical surveillance: ensure personnel are trained on what to look out for.

Preventive Planning Ensure as preventive medicine personnel that you are able to identify toxic material threats. Ensure that plan is in place to prevent and identify all toxic material in use. MSDS - Material Safety Data Sheet takes into account all toxic material in use at unit and provides all information about it to include what to do in case of over exposure or injury.

Review Questions 1. What are the routes of entry and symptoms see with each? 2. What are the biological effects of toxic materials and what do they cause? 3. What is MSDS?