Citation

McKay CA. Emerg. Med. Clin. North Am. 2014; 32(1): 127-147.

Affiliation

Occupational Health Services, Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, Hartford Hospital, 80 Seymour Street, Hartford, CT 06102-5037, USA; Connecticut Poison Control Center, Division of Medical Toxicology, University of Connecticut Health Center, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030, USA. Electronic address: charles.mckay@hhchealth.org.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.emc.2013.09.003

PMID

24275172

Abstract

This article describes the impact of various toxic substances on the airway and pulmonary system. Pulmonary anatomy and physiology provide the basis for understanding the response to toxin-induced injury. Simple asphyxiants displace oxygen from the inspired air. Respiratory irritants include water-soluble and water-insoluble compounds. Several inhaled agents produce direct airway injury, which may be mediated by caustic, thermal, and hydrocarbon exposures. Unique pulmonary toxins and toxicants are discussed, as well as inhaled toxin mixtures. Several inhaled toxins may also impair oxygen transport. The pulmonary system may also provide a mechanism for systemic toxin delivery on respiratory exposure.

Language: en