Haley, T. J. And W. O. Berndt (Ed.). Handbook of Toxicology. Xiv+697p. Hemisphere Publishing Corp.: New York, New York, USA; Cambridge, England, Uk. Illus. Isbn 0-89116-403-0.; 0 (0). 1987. 472-503.
Studies into the effects of and accidental exposures to asphyxiant gases occurring in occupational settings are reviewed. Such exposures occur in manufacturing industries, chemical processing facilities, or in any number of secondary situations where chemicals are used on the job. A gas may be only an irritant, or it may affect cellular metabolism or stimulate antibody production. Specific gases discussed include ammonia (7664417), which causes edema of the respiratory tract, spasms of the glottis, and asphyxia; carbon-monoxide (630080), which combines with myoglobin and hemoglobin in competition with oxygen resulting in asphyxiation; and ethylene-oxide (75218), which is an eye, nose and throat irritant and may cause coughing and vomiting along with pulmonary edema at high concentrations. Ethylene-oxide is also considered a possible carcinogen. Also mentioned are various fluorocarbons including carbon-tetrafluoride (75730), cryofluorane (1320372), dichlorodifluoromethane (75718), and trichlorofluoromethane (75694). Formaldehyde (50000) at low concentrations produces eye irritation, respiratory tract irritation, headache, and tiredness. Hydrogen-cyanide (74908) is extremely poisonous and rapid acting with death occurring within minutes from respiratory failure. The cyanide reacts with the trivalent iron of cytochrome-oxidase in mitochondria, blocking the reduction of oxygen and resulting in cytotoxic hypoxia. This occurs through blocking of the transfer of electrons from cytochrome-oxidase to oxygen. Hydrogen-sulfide (7783064), inhaled in concentrations of 1000 to 2000 parts per million, causes immediate loss of consciousness and almost immediate death. Isocyanates induce hypersensitivity and asthmatic reactions with symptoms of shortness of breath, wheezing, cyanosis, and dermal reactions. Nitrogen-dioxide (10102440), nitrous-oxide (10024972), and sulfur-dioxide (7446095) are also discussed.