Toxic industrial chemicals and chemical weapons: exposure, identification, and management by syndrome.

TitleToxic industrial chemicals and chemical weapons: exposure, identification, and management by syndrome.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2015
AuthorsTomassoni AJ, French RNE, Walter FG
JournalEmerg Med Clin North Am
Volume33
Issue1
Pagination13-36
Date Published2015 Feb
ISSN Number1558-0539
KeywordsChemical Warfare Agents, Disaster Planning, Disease Management, Emergency Service, Hospital, Environmental Exposure, Hazardous Substances, Humans, poisoning
Abstract

<p>Toxidromes aid emergency care providers in the context of the patient presenting with suspected poisoning, unexplained altered mental status, unknown hazardous materials or chemical weapons exposure, or the unknown overdose. The ability to capture an adequate chemical exposure history and to recognize toxidromes may reduce dependence on laboratory tests, speed time to delivery of specific antidote therapy, and improve selection of supportive care practices tailored to the etiologic agent. This article highlights elements of the exposure history and presents selected toxidromes that may be caused by toxic industrial chemicals and chemical weapons. Specific antidotes for toxidromes and points regarding their use, and special supportive measures, are presented.</p>

DOI10.1016/j.emc.2014.09.004
Alternate JournalEmerg. Med. Clin. North Am.
PubMed ID25455660
Faculty Reference: 
Robert N.E. French, MD, MPH
Frank G. Walter, MD, FACEP, FACMT, FAACT
Weight: 
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