TOXIC MATERIAL CONTROL

Objectives

Identify different states of toxic substancesIdentify routes of entranceDescribe five biological effects of toxic materialList toxic material that are a threat and their effectsList preventive measures for toxic material

Physical States

GasLiquid

VaporMist

SolidDustFume

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 accidentalAt times through trauma:

Needles, gas pressure line, high pressure gas lineMay occur through lacerations or puncture wounds

Biological Effects of Toxics Materials

IrritantsAsphyxiatesSystemic poisonsCarcinogens

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 MonoxideHydrogen ChlorideBore/Gun gasesLiquid Chemicals

Carbon Monoxide

Source: Internal combustion engines, space heaters, explosivesHazard due to inability to detectSigns/Symptoms: Headache, tiring, nausea, and death

Hydrogen Chloride

Sources: Exhaust from rocket systemsProduce 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 CannonsRelease carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen

Signs/Symptoms: Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, lung irritation

Liquid Chemicals

Sources: Lubricants, solvents, fuelsWide 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, infectionMay also cause organ damage

Liver Brain

Prevention of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Prevent accumulation of exhaustTurn on engines outsideProvide ventilation for work/sleep areas

Prevention of Hydrogen Chloride

Position soldiers upwindProvide respirators if necessary

Prevention of Bore/Gun Gases

Ensure on board use of ventilation systemsEnsure proper maintenance of bore evacuator systems

Prevention of Liquid Injuries

Minimize exposureUse of protection: gloves, goggles, respiratorsMedical 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?