CONSEQUENCES OF INHALING TOXIC GASEOUS MATERIALS

Some of the consequences of inhaling toxic gaseous materials are cellular damage or irritation, suffocation, brain death, or the appearance and development of cancer. Continued exposure to toxic gases can adversely affect the functioning of the human respiratory system.

The high concentrations of chemical components that some gases may contain, can trigger reactions in the respiratory tract. If these conditions are not treated immediately, they can generate some irreversible effects on the individual, including death by suffocation.

Respiratory distress and edema are some of the most common conditions associated with prolonged exposure to toxic gases. Depending on the toxicity of the component, the damage can affect other vital organs of the human body, such as the heart or kidneys.

Cell damage or irritation

It is generally caused by exposure to irritating gases. This type of gases seriously affects the respiratory tract, generating injuries that can vary in intensity depending on the power of the component.

Factors such as the high solubility of the agent and the intensity of exposure can rapidly irritate the respiratory tract and affect the conjunctiva.

A low solubility of the agent affects the periphery, in areas such as the bronchi and pulmonary alveoli.

Suffocation

By preventing the normal functioning of the respiratory system, the individual exposed to gases may experience a lack of oxygen. This will generate an immediate reaction known as airflow obstruction, which prevents the normal circulation of air through the respiratory tract.

This type of effect can manifest itself through asthma or bronchiolitis. Shortness of breath and lack of oxygen can cause dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness.

Gases such as carbon monoxide and cyanide interfere with the process of releasing oxygen from the tissues.

Brain death

Brain death is a side effect of a lack of oxygen in red blood cells. Exposure to gases such as carbon monoxide prevents oxygen from joining the blood.

Progressively, deoxygenation is generated in the body that causes the death of a large number of cells. The brain, not receiving oxygen through the blood, causes loss of consciousness and later dies.

This type of gas is usually present in fires, and it is estimated that it is responsible for more than 80% of deaths in this context.

Carcinogenic effect

There are harmful gases with a high concentration of chemicals that can have a fatal effect on cells, generating a carcinogenic or carcinogenic effect. This agent is capable of producing cancer or neoplasia in the individual through the reach of living tissues.

Although their effect is long or medium term, chemical carcinogens can be defined by the type of tumor they can generate and by the temporal relationship in the appearance of the same after exposure.

Chemicals classified as carcinogens include benzene and tobacco.

Due to their long latency period, it is difficult to identify these types of chemical gases, since damages are usually found 20 or 30 years after continuous exposure.

References

(nd). Consequences of Inhalation of toxic gases - Health and Healthy Life. It was recovered on September 3, 2017 from todo-en-salud.com.
(nd). Consequences of inhaling toxic gaseous materials - carolina…. Recovered on September 3, 2017 from academia.edu
(2017, September 1). Consequence of toxic gases - Hidalgo Criterion. It was recovered on September 3, 2017 from criterionhidalgo.com
(nd). Gas and Chemical Exposure - Lung and Airway Disorders - MSD…. It was retrieved on September 3, 2017 from msdmanuals.com.

CONSEQUENCES OF INHALING TOXIC GASEOUS MATERIALS - MEDICINE - 2025