Irritant gas
Irritant gases are gases that cause the body, especially the respiratory system and conjunctiva, to react on contact. They are classified according to their occurrence, the symptoms they trigger and the substances they are made of.
In the general population, irritant gas is mainly understood as the tear gas frequently used by the police and security forces .
Poisoning
All apartment fires can cause poisoning with irritant gases. Also typical are accidents with chlorine gas in swimming pools, which is used to disinfect the bathing water. Toxic gases destroy the alveolar membrane .
Symptoms
Symptoms of irritant gas poisoning begin with an urge to cough , a scratchy throat and changes in the mucous membrane . A glottic cramp , cyanosis and breathing disorders up to respiratory failure can be recognizable. Impaired consciousness and convulsions are other signs. Finally, toxic pulmonary edema can develop. Symptoms may also take three to 72 hours to appear.
Irritant gas occurrence
Possibilities of irritant poisoning:
- Chemical industry: chlorine , phosgene , nitrous gases , ammonia , hydrogen sulfide .
- Plastics industry: hydrochloric acid , isocyanates , formaldehyde .
- Foam production: isocyanates.
- Fertilizer production: ammonia, nitrous gases, hydrogen sulfide .
- Welding: nitrous gases, ozone , phosgene .
- Fire brigade: nitrous gases, ammonia, acrolein , isocyanates, chlorine, hydrochloric acid vapors, hydrogen sulfide .
- Household: chlorine gases , ( toilet cleaner ), hydrogen sulphide (slurry pit ), overheated Teflon pan coatings, ammonia (cleaner), paints , varnishes , impregnation sprays .
- In public spaces (as warfare agent): tear gas , CS gas .
- In public spaces: Nitrogen oxides from all combustion processes with air and combustion temperatures from 1000 ° C without appropriate exhaust gas aftertreatment .
Immediate action
The immediate actions consist of:
- Leave the area of action (danger area) (note the wind direction, direct the escape direction against the wind if possible)
- if necessary, inform other affected parties and ask them to leave the area of activity
- Warn others of the danger
- Call the emergency
- Pay attention to your own protection as a first aider!
Helpless patients are rescued from the danger area by the fire brigade units . On no account attempt a rescue yourself (without appropriate protective equipment)!
Depending on the symptoms and irritant gas, various medical measures may be necessary.