The strongest poison in nature. The ten most dangerous poisons on the planet. Belladonna or Beauty

Let's start with the "king" of poisons - Arsenic. Until 1832, arsenic poisoning was extremely difficult to diagnose, as the symptoms of poisoning with this poison were similar to those of cholera. This similarity made it possible to disguise the use of arsenic and its compounds as a deadly poison.

In acute arsenic poisoning, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, depression of the central nervous system are observed.

Antidote: aqueous sodium thiosulfate solution, dimercaprol.

Cyanide

Potassium cyanide, or potassium cyanide, is the most powerful inorganic poison. It looks like granulated sugar.

When it enters the body, the cells stop absorbing oxygen, as a result of which the body dies from interstitial hypoxia. Potassium cyanide is absorbed very quickly and therefore death occurs within 15 minutes.

Sarin gas

Sarin gas is a poisonous substance with a nerve-paralytic effect.

The first signs of a person's exposure to Sarin are nasal discharge, chest congestion, and constriction of the pupils. Shortly thereafter, the victim has difficulty breathing, nausea and increased salivation. Then the victim completely loses control over bodily functions. This phase is accompanied by convulsions. Ultimately, the victim falls into a comatose state and suffocates in a fit of convulsive spasms, followed by cardiac arrest.

Antidote: Atropine, Pralidoxime, Diazepam, Athens.

diamphotoxin

Diamphotoxin is the most powerful poison of animal origin on our planet, contained in the blood of the larvae of the South African leaf beetle.

Able to reduce the content of hemoglobin in the blood by 75% in a short period of time due to the massive destruction of red blood cells.

Antidote: There is no specific antidote.

Ricin

Ricin is the most powerful plant-derived poison, which is obtained from the castor beans of the castor bean plant.

To kill an adult, a few grains are enough. Ricin kills cells in the human body by preventing the production of the proteins it needs, resulting in organ failure. A person can become poisoned by ricin through inhalation or after ingestion.

If inhaled, symptoms of poisoning usually appear 8 hours after exposure and include difficulty breathing, fever, cough, nausea, sweating, and chest tightness.

If swallowed, symptoms appear in less than 6 hours and include nausea, low blood pressure, hallucinations, and seizures. Death can occur in 36-72 hours.

Antidote: There is no specific antidote.

Some animals have the amazing ability to kill with toxic chemicals or poison. This method is considered one of the most cowardly, insidious and effective. In this article, you will discover 11 poisonous animals in the world that can easily kill an adult human.

There are "passively" venomous animals (which transfer their venom when eaten or attacked by other animals) and "actively" venomous animals (which inject venom into their prey using stingers, fangs, or other devices.

Most Venomous Amphibian: Dread Leaf Climber

It lives only in the rainforests of the western part of Colombia. The poison of one frog can kill 10 to 20 people. (Only one kind of snake Liophis epinephelus, is resistant to the venom of the dread leaf climber, however, if exposed to a sufficiently large amount of the toxin, the reptile may die).

Interestingly, the terrible leafcreeper produces poison from its diet of native ants and beetles; individuals kept in captivity and feeding on fruit flies and other common insects are completely harmless.

Most Venomous Spider: Brazilian Wandering Spider

If you suffer from arachnophobia (fear of spiders), there is good and bad news for you about Brazilian wandering spiders. The good news is that these spiders live in the tropics of South America, and do not always inject a full dose of poison during a bite, and also rarely attack people; even better news is that an effective antidote (if administered quickly) avoids death. The bad news is that spider venom contains powerful neurotoxins that slowly paralyze and suffocate their victims, even in microscopic doses.

Men bitten by Brazilian wandering spiders often experience painful erections.

Most Venomous Snake: McCoy's Taipan

The venom of this Australian snake is the most powerful among land snakes. Toxic substances contained in one individual can kill hundreds of adults. (Its venom consists of neurotoxins, hemotoxins, mycotoxins, and nephrotoxins. This means it can dissolve your blood, brain, muscles, and kidneys before you hit the ground.) Fortunately, this venomous snake rarely comes into contact with humans, and even when that happens (if you know how to interact with her), she becomes quite meek and easy to tame.

Most Poisonous Fish: Warthog

This fish lives in shallow waters in the South Pacific. It looks ominous, like a stone or a piece of coral (disguise is meant to protect against predators) and if stepped on, the wart injects a powerful dose of toxins into the human foot.

The Australian authorities are actively replenishing stocks of antidotes, so there is a high probability of saving lives (provided that the antidote is administered in a timely manner).

Most Poisonous Insect: Maricopa Ant

Ants Maricopa ( Pogonomyrmex maricopa) are quite dangerous insects. About 300 bites from these ants can cause death in an adult. Their venom is much stronger than that of hornets and honey bees. One bite of such an ant causes acute pain that lasts about 4 hours.

Fortunately, it is nearly impossible to accidentally step on a Maricopa ant colony and receive hundreds of stings; these insects are known to build nests with a diameter of about 9 m and a height of up to 2 m!

Most poisonous jellyfish: Sea wasp

Box jellyfish (jellyfish, characterized by a rectangular bell shape) are by far the most dangerous invertebrates in the world, and the sea wasp ( Chironex fleckeri) is considered the most poisonous species of jellyfish on the planet. The tentacles of the sea wasp are covered with nematocytes, stinging cells that, on contact, cause burns.

Most people who come into contact with the tentacles of a sea wasp experience excruciating pain, but a close encounter with a member of this species can kill you in five minutes.

Most venomous mammal: Platypus

Of course, the poison of a platypus will not cause the death of a person, but it will bring severe pain and swelling. Its venom can kill small animals. On the hind limbs of males there are spurs (about 15 mm long) that contain poison. Most often, males use these spurs to fight each other during the breeding season.

Other poisonous mammals are: 3 species from the shrew family and the Cuban flint tooth ( Solenodon cubanus).

Most Poisonous Clam: Marble Cone

If you have never had to use the phrase "predatory sea snail", then you obviously do not know enough marine animals that can kill you with a single bite. This mollusk is able to paralyze its prey (including other snails of the genus Conus) with a toxic poison that can easily kill a careless person.

Unfortunately, no one has ever calculated how much poison can harm an adult.

Most poisonous bird: Bicolor thrush flycatcher

The two-colored thrush flycatcher from New Guinea contains a powerful poison called batrachotoxin. It is found in the skin and feathers of birds, and can cause mild numbness and tingling in humans, but is much more dangerous for small animals. (Apparently, thrush flycatchers synthesize poison from beetles that are part of their diet (these beetles are also included in the diet of poison dart frogs).

Another well-known poisonous bird is the common quail, whose meat (if the bird has consumed a plant of a certain species) can lead to a non-fatal disease for humans called "cothurnism".

Most poisonous octopus: Blue-ringed octopus

Blue-ringed octopuses live in the Indian and Pacific oceans and are quite modest in size (the largest individuals rarely exceed 20 cm). Their bite is virtually painless, but the venom causes paralysis and can kill an adult human in just a few minutes.

Currently, there is no antidote for the bite of the blue-ringed octopus.

Most poisonous turtle: Bissa

Unlike some of the other animals on this list, the hawksbill turtle is not miniature: adults weigh around 80kg, about the same as the average human. These turtles are distributed throughout the world, and individuals from Southeast Asia that eat toxic algae have poisonous meat that can cause poisoning in humans (poisoning symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other intestinal ailments).

These turtles are endangered and protected by law.

Omega is a highly toxic substance that is part of the hemlock. Just 100 milligrams of it (8 leaves) will be enough to kill a person. Principle of operation: all systems of the body gradually fail, except for the brain. In total, you, being in your right mind, begin to slowly and painfully die until you suffocate.

The most popular hemlock was among the Greeks. Interesting fact: this plant caused the death of Socrates in 399 BC. The Greeks thus executed him for disrespect for the gods.

Source: wikipedia.org

№9 - Aconite

This poison is obtained from the wrestler plant. It causes an arrhythmia that ends in suffocation. They say that even touching this plant without gloves can end in death. It is almost impossible to detect traces of poison in the body. The most famous case of application - Emperor Claudius poisoned his wife Agrippina by adding aconite to her mushroom dish.

Source: wikipedia.org

No. 8 - Belladonna

In the Middle Ages, belladonna was used as a cosmetic for women (cheek blush). They even received special drops from the plant - to dilate the pupils (at that time it was considered fashionable). And you could also swallow the leaves of belladonna - one is just enough for a person to die. Berries are also not a miss: for death it is enough to eat only 10 pieces. From the latter in those days they made a special poisonous solution, which was used to lubricate arrowheads.

Source: wikipedia.org

No. 7 - Dimethylmercury

This is the slowest and most insidious killer. This is because even 0.1 milliliters that accidentally get on your skin will be enough for a fatal outcome. The most high-profile case: in 1996, a chemistry teacher from Dartmouth College in New Hampshire dropped a drop of poison on her hand. Dimethylmercury burned through a latex glove, symptoms of poisoning appeared after 4 months. And 10 months later, the scientist died.

Source: wikipedia.org

#6 - Tetrodotoxin

This poison is found in blue-ringed octopuses and pufferfish (fugu). Things are very bad with the first ones: octopuses deliberately attack their prey with tetrodotoxin, imperceptibly pricking it with special needles. Death occurs in a few minutes, but symptoms do not appear immediately - after paralysis sets in. The venom of one blue-ringed octopus is enough to kill 26 healthy men.

Fugu is easier: their poison is dangerous only when it is about to eat a fish. It all depends on the correctness of the preparation: if the cook is not mistaken, the tetrodoxin will all evaporate. And you will eat the dish without any consequences, except for the incredible adrenaline rush ...

Source: wikipedia.org

No. 5 - Polonium

Polonium is a radioactive poison for which there is no antidote. The substance is so dangerous that just 1 gram of it can kill 1.5 million people in a few months. The most sensational case of the use of polonium is the death of Alexander Litvinenko, an employee of the KGB-FSB. He died in 3 weeks, the reason - 200 grams of poison was found in his body.

Source: wikipedia.org

No. 4 - Mercury

1. elemental mercury - found in thermometers. Instant death occurs if it is breathed in;
2. inorganic mercury - used in the manufacture of batteries. Deadly if swallowed;
3. organic mercury. Sources are tuna and swordfish. It is recommended to eat them no more than 170 grams per month. Otherwise, organic mercury will begin to accumulate in the body.

The most famous use case is the poisoning of Amadeus Mozart. He was given mercury tablets to treat syphilis.

Residents of city apartments and gardeners always deal with insecticides - thiophos, karbofos, chlorophos, metaphos, whose brand names can be very bizarre and even poetic. Their essence, however, does not change - they all belong to organophosphorus compounds, being direct relatives of nerve gases. And they also act by selectively disrupting the work of the cholinesterase enzyme and, thus, "paralyzing" the nervous system.

According to the degree of toxicity, these insect control agents do not look very "modest" - thiophos has a lethal dose when taken orally 1-2 g, and according to some reports, only 0.24 g (less than 10 drops). Metaphos is about five times less toxic (however, not only for humans, but also for insects). Among household poisons, both of them are included in the "leading" group in terms of toxicity.

The most dangerous poisoning is for children, who often hang around bottles of organophosphorus insecticides and can use them on their own at any time. Few adults follow the instructions placed on the bottles: "Keep out of the reach of children!". In addition, in the struggle for the consumer, firms rarely objectively talk about the toxicity of the products they produce, so that adults have a very vague idea about it. Phosphorus organic insecticides are absorbed rapidly - already in the nasal cavity and pharynx.

Poisons penetrate the skin and mucous membranes of the eyes. All this makes it difficult to provide assistance in case of acute poisoning, especially for a child who cannot really even explain what happened.

But even the correct, according to the instructions, the use of "home" insecticides can lead to many troubles. So, companies guarantee that 1-3 hours after airing a room sprayed with insecticides, you can enter it without any health consequences. Recent studies have debunked this misconception. It turned out that even after two or three weeks, insecticides remain in tangible amounts on the surface of the sprayed objects. At the same time, their highest concentration was determined on toys (!) - both soft and plastic, which absorbed poisons like a sponge. The most striking thing is that when completely clean toys were introduced into the sprayed room, after two weeks they were completely saturated with insecticide to a level 20 times higher than the permissible one.

No less serious is the problem of exposure to pesticides on children in the womb. Even negligible concentrations of these poisons lead to serious violations of the physical and mental development of children. Children exposed to their attack in utero have a weakened memory, poorly recognize objects, and learn various skills more slowly. Both in children and adults, DDT and its related compounds disrupt the exchange of sex hormones, which adversely affect the formation of sexual characteristics in adolescents and sexual function in adults.

ACID

Acid poisoning (sulfuric, hydrochloric, nitric, zinc chloride solution in hydrochloric acid (soldering liquid), a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids ("aqua regia"), etc.) occur when they are mistakenly ingested, usually in a state of alcohol or drugs intoxication. All acids have a cauterizing effect. Sulfuric acid has the most destructive effect on tissues. Burns are found everywhere where acid has come into contact with tissues - on the lips, face, mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach. Very concentrated acids can cause destruction of the walls of the stomach. When exposed to the outer skin, acids cause severe burns, which (especially in the case of nitric acid) turn into hard-to-heal ulcers. Depending on the type of acid, burns (both internal and external) differ in color. When burned with sulfuric acid - blackish, hydrochloric acid - grayish-yellow, nitric acid - a characteristic yellow color.

Victims complain of excruciating pains, they do not stop vomiting with blood, breathing is difficult, swelling of the larynx develops, suffocation. With severe burns, a painful shock occurs, which can cause death in the first hours (up to a day) after poisoning. In later periods, death can occur from severe complications - severe internal bleeding, destruction of the walls of the esophagus and stomach, acute pancreatitis.

First aid is the same as for poisoning with acetic acid.

DYES

The list of dyes and pigments used in everyday life and industry is updated every year. What they are not used for - they are part of paints, they are used for tinting food and medicines, in medicine and printing, for the manufacture of inks and coloring pastes.

They contain almost the entire Periodic Table and are very dangerous if ingested in the form of dust or aerosol. Contacting with open parts of the body and eyes, dyes cause severe dermatoses and conjunctivitis. The latter also occur in contact with painted objects. Dyes often contain very toxic compounds used in their synthesis: mercury, arsenic, etc. Many dyes are extremely insidious, causing cancer.

To prevent poisoning during painting work, it is necessary to use gloves, goggles, if possible sealed overalls, do not eat or drink, after painting, wash your hands thoroughly, wash clothes. If the ink comes into contact with the skin, it must be removed immediately using suitable solvents (eg kerosene) or soapy water.

COPPER AND ITS SALT

Copper salts are widely used in the paint and varnish industry, in agriculture and everyday life to combat fungal diseases. In acute poisoning with them, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain immediately occur, jaundice and anemia develop, symptoms of acute liver and kidney failure are pronounced, hemorrhages are observed in the stomach and intestines. The lethal dose is 1-2 g, but acute poisoning also occurs at doses of 0.2-0.5 g (depending on the type of salt). Acute poisoning also occurs when copper dust or copper oxide enters the body, which are obtained by grinding, welding and cutting products made of copper or copper-containing alloys. The first signs of poisoning are irritation of the mucous membranes, a sweet taste in the mouth. A few hours later, as soon as the copper "dissolves" and absorbs into the tissues, a headache, weakness in the legs, redness of the conjunctiva of the eyes, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, severe chills with an increase in temperature to 38-39 degrees appear. Poisoning is also possible when the dust of copper salts enters the body during crushing and pouring them in order to prepare plant protection products (for example, Bordeaux mixture) or "stain" for building materials. When dry grain is treated with copper carbonate, after a few hours the temperature can rise to 39 degrees and above, the victim is shivering, sweat is pouring from him, he feels weak, aching pain in the muscles, he is tormented by a cough with green sputum (the color of copper salts), which lasts a long time. persists even after the cessation of the fever. Another scenario of poisoning is also possible, when the victim gets a little chilly in the evenings, and after some time an acute attack develops - the so-called copper pickle fever, which lasts 3-4 days.

In chronic poisoning with copper and its salts, the work of the nervous system, kidneys and liver is disrupted, the nasal septum is destroyed, teeth are affected, severe dermatitis, gastritis and peptic ulcer occur. Every year of work with copper reduces life expectancy by almost 4 months. The skin of the face, hair and conjunctiva of the eyes are stained in a greenish-yellow or greenish-black color, a dark red or purple-red border appears on the gums. Copper dust causes destruction of the cornea of ​​the eye.

Urgent care. Same as with mercury poisoning.

DETERGENTS (WASHING POWDERS, SOAPS)

The incredible variety of detergents and soaps used in everyday life makes it impossible to create any general picture of their poisoning. Their toxic effect also depends on how they enter the body - through the respiratory system in the form of dust when pouring or aerosol when dissolved, through the mouth when accidentally ingested (this is typical for young children left near soaked linen), in contact with the skin during washing, with poorly rinsed clothes.

In case of contact with the mucous membranes of the eyes, conjunctivitis occurs, clouding of the cornea and inflammation of the iris are possible (see Alkalis). Inhalation may cause respiratory complications, including burns and pneumonia. In the case of ingestion, the digestive system is disrupted, vomiting occurs, which is dangerous because the foam formed during it can enter the respiratory tract. In severe cases, the nervous system is affected, blood pressure decreases, oxygen deficiency occurs. Constant contact with detergents leads to the development of allergic dermatoses, in particular, urticaria. An additional danger is counterfeit detergents, which may contain the most unexpected toxic substances, so you should avoid buying uncertified products with dubious origin. Thus, bleach is added to some "home-made products", which, when in contact with water, begins to exude poisonous chlorine (see Chlorine).

Urgent care. If detergents come into contact with the mucous membranes of the eyes, they should be rinsed with a strong stream of water. In case of ingestion, rinse the stomach with water, whole milk or an aqueous suspension of milk and egg whites. The victim is given plenty of fluids, mucous substances (starch, jelly). In severe cases, you need to see a doctor.

MERCURY AND ITS SALT

People's attitude to mercury at all times was almost mystical - it was known to the ancient Romans and Greeks, and alchemists also preferred it. Already in those days, it was well known about its toxicity.

Mercury poisoning in our time is possible both with "entertainment" with mercury balls that fell out of a broken thermometer, and with poisoning with mercury-containing substances widely used in medicine, photography, pyrotechnics, and agriculture. The high danger of mercury itself is associated with its ability to evaporate (in laboratories and in production, it is stored in specially equipped rooms under a layer of water).

The toxicity of mercury vapor is unusually high - poisoning can occur even at a concentration of just a fraction of a milligram per cubic meter. meter of air, with possible fatal outcomes. Soluble salts of mercury are even more poisonous, the lethal dose of which is only 0.2-0.5 g. In chronic poisoning, there is increased fatigue, weakness, drowsiness, indifference to the environment, headaches, dizziness, emotional excitability - the so-called "mercury neurasthenia" . All this is accompanied by trembling ("mercury trembling"), covering the hands, eyelids and tongue, in severe cases - first the legs, and then the whole body. The poisoned person becomes shy, timid, timid, depressed, extremely irritable, whiny, his memory weakens. All this is the result of damage to the central nervous system. There are pains in the limbs, various neuralgia, sometimes paresis of the ulnar nerve. Damage to other organs and systems gradually joins, chronic diseases become aggravated, resistance to infections decreases (mortality from tuberculosis is very high among people in contact with mercury).

Diagnosis of mercury poisoning is very difficult. They hide under the guise of diseases of the respiratory or nervous system. In almost all cases, however, there is a small and frequent trembling of the fingers of the outstretched hands, and many have trembling of the eyelids and tongue. The thyroid gland is usually enlarged, the gums bleed, sweating is pronounced. In women, menstrual irregularities are observed, and with prolonged work, the frequency of miscarriages and premature births progressively increases. One of the important diagnostic criteria are significant changes in the blood formula.

Urgent care. In the absence of special drugs that bind mercury (for example, unithiol), it is necessary to wash the stomach with water with 20-30 g of activated carbon or other enterosorbent, protein water is also effective. Then you need to give milk, egg white whipped with water, laxatives.

Further treatment is carried out under the supervision of a physician, especially since in cases of acute poisoning intensive therapy is required. The victims are shown a milk diet and taking vitamins (including B1 and C).

Prussic acid (CYANIDES)

Hydrocyanic acid and its salts, cyanides, are among the most toxic substances and cause severe poisoning both when taken orally and when inhaled. Hydrocyanic acid vapors have the smell of bitter almonds. Hydrocyanic acid and cyanides are widely used in the production of synthetic fibers, polymers, plexiglass, in medicine, for disinfection, rodent control, fumigation of fruit trees. In addition, hydrocyanic acid is a chemical warfare agent. But it can also be poisoned in completely harmless situations - as a result of eating the grains of some fruits, the seeds of which contain glycosides that release hydrocyanic acid in the stomach. So, 5-25 of these bones can contain a dose of cyanide that is fatal for a small child. It is believed that a lethal dose of the cyanogenic glycoside amygdalin, which is only 1 g, is contained in 40 g of bitter almonds or 100 g of peeled apricot pits. The stones of plums and cherries are dangerous.

There are frequent cases when, when consuming plum and other compotes with seeds not removed from the fruit, severe and sometimes fatal poisoning is observed.

Hydrocyanic acid and its salts are poisons that disrupt tissue respiration. A manifestation of a sharp decrease in the ability of tissues to consume the oxygen delivered to them is the scarlet color of the blood in the veins. As a result of oxygen starvation, the brain and central nervous system are primarily affected.

Poisoning with cyanide compounds is manifested in increased respiration, lowering blood pressure, convulsions and coma. When taking large doses, consciousness is immediately lost, convulsions occur and death occurs within a few minutes. This is the so-called lightning-fast form of poisoning. With a smaller amount of poison, gradual intoxication develops.

Emergency care and treatment. In case of poisoning, the victim should immediately be allowed to breathe in vapors of amyl nitrite (several minutes). When taking cyanides inside, it is necessary to wash the stomach with a weak solution of potassium permanganate or a 5% solution of thiosulfate, give a saline laxative. Intravenously introduce sequentially a 1% solution of methylene blue and a 30% solution of sodium thiosulfate. In another option, intravenously inject sodium nitrite (all operations are carried out under strict medical supervision and with monitoring of blood pressure). Additionally, glucose with ascorbic acid, cardiovascular drugs, B vitamins are administered. The use of pure oxygen gives a good effect.

TEAR SUBSTANCES (LACHRIMATORS)

During the First World War, about 600 tons of lachrymators were used. Now they are used to disperse demonstrations, to conduct special operations. In addition, lachrymators (from the Greek "lacrime" - a tear) are the main type of substances pumped into cans for self-defense. The effect of these substances on the body is to irritate the mucous membranes of the eyes and nasopharynx, which leads to profuse lacrimation, spasm of the eyelids, and profuse discharge from the nose. These effects appear almost instantly - within a few seconds. Lachrymators irritate the nerve endings located in the conjunctiva and cornea of ​​the eyes, and they cause a protective reaction: the desire to wash away the irritant with tears and the closing of the eyelids, which can turn into a spasm. If the eyes are closed, then the tears are removed through the nose, mixing with the secretions from the nose itself. The destruction of the mucous membranes under the action of low concentrations of tear gases does not occur, therefore, after the termination of their action, all functions are restored. However, prolonged use of lachrymators can lead to the development of photophobia, which lasts for several days.

The sequence of appearance of signs of damage depends on the type of lacrimator, its dose and method of application. First, there is a slight irritation of the mucous membranes, weak lacrimation, then severe lacrimation with copious discharge from the nose, pain in the eyes, spasm of the eyelids, and with prolonged poisoning - temporary blindness (when using lachrymators of blistering action, partial or complete loss of vision is possible). A direct hit of a strong jet of some types of lachrymators directly into the eyes is quite dangerous - the principle of the damaging effect of gas cartridges is based on this. The best known lachrymators are cyanogen chloride, used as a chemical warfare agent in the First World War (since 1916), chloroacetophenone, widely used by the Americans in Vietnam and the Portuguese in Angola, bromobenzyl cyanide, chloropicrin. In addition to tearing, these substances also have a general poisonous (cyanogen chloride), suffocating (all lachrymators), skin-abscess (chloroacetophenone) action.

Symptoms of the lesion quickly disappear when the action of lacrimators ceases. It alleviates the condition of washing the eyes with boric acid or albucide, and the nasopharynx with a weak (2%) solution of baking soda. In severe cases, strong analgesics are used - promedol, morphine, a 1% solution of ethylmorphine is instilled into the eyes. Measures must be taken to remove drops of low-volatile tear substances from the surface of the body and clothing into which they are intensively absorbed, otherwise poisoning may recur.

CARBON MONOXIDE (CARBON OXIDE)

One of the most common sources of poisoning in everyday life. It is formed during improper use of gas, malfunctioning chimneys or inept heating of stoves, as well as in the process of heating car interiors in winter as a product of incomplete combustion of carbon and its compounds. Car exhaust gases can contain up to 13% carbon monoxide. In addition, it is formed by smoking, by burning household waste, its concentration is high near chemical and metallurgical industries.

The essence of poisoning lies in the fact that carbon monoxide replaces oxygen in the coloring matter of blood hemoglobin and, thus, disrupts the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen to body tissues, resulting in their oxygen starvation. The picture of poisoning depends on the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air. When inhaling small amounts of it, one feels heaviness and pressure in the head, severe pain in the forehead and temples, tinnitus, fog in the eyes, dizziness, redness and burning of the skin of the face, trembling, a feeling of weakness and fear, coordination of movements worsens, nausea and vomiting appear. . Further poisoning, while maintaining consciousness, leads to numbness of the victim, he weakens, is indifferent to his own fate, which is why he cannot leave the infection zone. Then confusion increases, intoxication intensifies, the temperature rises to 38-40 degrees. In case of severe poisoning, when the content of hemoglobin associated with carbon monoxide in the blood reaches 50-60%, consciousness is lost, the functioning of the nervous system is seriously impaired: hallucinations, delirium, convulsions, paralysis develop. The feeling of pain is lost early - poisoned with carbon monoxide, not yet losing consciousness, they do not notice the burns received.

Memory is weakened, sometimes to such an extent that the victim ceases to recognize loved ones, the circumstances that caused the poisoning are completely erased from his memory. Breathing is upset - shortness of breath appears, which can last for hours and even days and end in death from respiratory arrest. Death from asphyxiation in acute carbon monoxide poisoning can occur almost instantly.

In severe cases, after recovery, the "memory" of the poisoning "remains" and can manifest itself in the form of fainting and psychosis, decreased intelligence, and odd behavior. Possible paralysis of the cranial nerves, paresis of the extremities. For a very long time there are violations of the function of the intestines, bladder. The organs of vision are severely affected. Even a single poisoning reduces the accuracy of visual perception of space, color and night vision, and its sharpness. Even after mild poisoning, myocardial infarction, gangrene of the extremities and other deadly complications can develop.

With prolonged chronic carbon monoxide poisoning, a whole "bouquet" of symptoms develops, indicating damage to both the nervous system and other organs and systems of the body. Memory and attention decrease, fatigue, irritability increase, obsessive fear, melancholy appear, unpleasant sensations arise in the heart area, shortness of breath. The skin becomes bright red, coordination of movements is disturbed, fingers tremble. After a year and a half of "close contact" with carbon monoxide, persistent disorders of cardiovascular activity occur, heart attacks are frequent. The endocrine system suffers. For men, sexual disorders are typical, in some cases there is severe pain in the testicles, spermatozoa are inactive, which, ultimately, may result in infertility. In women, sexual desire decreases, the menstrual cycle is disturbed, premature births, abortions are possible. Even after single carbon monoxide poisoning during pregnancy, the fetus may die, although the woman herself can endure it without visible consequences. In case of poisoning in the first three months of pregnancy, fetal deformities or the development of cerebral palsy in the future are possible.

Urgent care. The victim must be immediately taken out in a supine position (even if he can move himself) to fresh air, free from clothing that restricts breathing (unbutton the collar, belt), give the body a comfortable position, provide him with peace and warmth (for this you can use heating pads, mustard plasters to legs). When using heating pads, care must be taken, as the victim may not feel the burn. In mild cases of poisoning, give coffee, strong tea. Remove nausea and vomiting with a 0.5% solution of novocaine (inside with teaspoons). Subcutaneously introduce camphor, caffeine, cordiamine, glucose, ascorbic acid. In case of severe poisoning, oxygen should be applied as soon as possible; in this case, intensive care in a hospital is necessary.

ACETIC ACID (VINEGAR)

Most often, burns and poisoning are caused by vinegar essence used in everyday life - an 80% solution of acetic acid. However, they can also be obtained from 30% acid. Both its 2% solution and vapors are dangerous for the eyes.

Immediately after taking vinegar essence, there is a sharp pain in the mouth, pharynx and along the digestive tract, depending on the extent of the burn. The pain intensifies when swallowing, passing food and lasts more than a week. A stomach burn, in addition to a sharp pain in the epigastric region, is accompanied by excruciating vomiting with an admixture of blood. When the essence enters the larynx, in addition to pain, a hoarseness of voice appears, with massive edema - labored, wheezing breathing, the skin turns blue, and suffocation is possible. When taking 15-30 ml, a mild form of poisoning occurs, 30-70 ml - medium, and at 70 ml and above - severe, in which deaths are frequent. Death can occur on the first or second day after poisoning due to burn shock, hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells) and other intoxication phenomena (40% of cases). On the third or fifth day after poisoning, the cause of death is most often pneumonia (45% of cases), and in longer periods (6-11 days) - bleeding from the digestive tract (up to 2% of cases). In acute poisoning, the causes of death are acute renal and hepatic failure (12% of cases).

First aid. In case of contact with eyes - immediate, prolonged (15-20 minutes) and abundant (stream) washing with tap water, then instillation of 1-2 drops of a 2% solution of novocaine. Subsequently, instillation of antibiotics (for example, a 0.25% solution of chloramphenicol).

Irritation of the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract can be eliminated by rinsing the nose and throat with water, inhalation with a 2% soda solution. A warm drink is recommended (milk with soda or Borjomi). In case of contact with skin, rinse immediately with plenty of water. You can use soap or a weak solution (0.5-1%) of alkali. Treat the burn site with disinfectant solutions, for example, furacilin.

In case of poisoning through the mouth - immediate gastric lavage with cold water (12-15 liters) using a thick probe lubricated with vegetable oil. You can add milk or egg white to the water. Soda and laxatives should not be used. If gastric lavage fails, then the victim should be given 3-5 glasses of water to drink and induce vomiting artificially (by inserting a finger into the mouth). This procedure is repeated 3-4 times.

Emetics are contraindicated. Inside give beaten egg whites, starch, mucous decoctions, milk. It is recommended to swallow pieces of ice, an ice pack is placed on the stomach. To eliminate pain and prevent shock, strong analgesics (promedol, morphine) are administered. In a hospital, intensive care and symptomatic treatment are carried out.

ALKALI

Poisoning with caustic alkalis (caustic soda, caustic potash, caustic soda), as well as ammonia (ammonia) occurs both with erroneous ingestion and with improper use. For example, ammonia is sometimes used to eliminate alcohol intoxication (which is completely wrong), resulting in severe poisoning. Even more often, poisoning with soda solutions is observed. When ordinary baking soda is dissolved in boiling water, it begins to bubble due to the release of carbon dioxide. The reaction of the solution becomes strongly alkaline, and rinsing the mouth or swallowing such a concentrated solution can lead to severe poisoning. In this case, children often suffer, often swallowing soda solutions. Poisoning often occurs when the dosages and time of taking alkaline drugs for the treatment of peptic ulcers and gastritis associated with increased acidity of gastric juice are not observed.

All caustic alkalis have a very powerful cauterizing effect, and ammonia is a particularly sharp irritating effect. They are deeper than acids (see Acids), penetrate the tissues, forming loose necrotic ulcers covered with whitish or gray scabs. As a result of their ingestion, strong thirst, salivation, bloody vomiting appear. A strong pain shock develops, from which already in the first hours death may occur as a result of a burn and swelling of the pharynx, asphyxiation may develop.? After poisoning, a lot of side effects develop, almost all organs and tissues suffer, massive internal bleeding occurs, the integrity of the wall of the esophagus and stomach is violated, which leads to peritonitis and can be fatal. In case of poisoning with ammonia, due to a sharp excitation of the central nervous system, the respiratory center is depressed, pulmonary and cerebral edema develops. Deaths are very common. With the combined use of alcohol and ammonia, supposedly intended for sobering up, the toxic effects of both poisons are summed up and the picture of poisoning becomes even more severe.

First aid is the same as for acid poisoning, with the exception of the composition of the gastric lavage liquid: in order to neutralize alkalis and ammonia, a 2% solution of citric or acetic acid is used. You can use water or whole milk. If it is impossible to wash the stomach through a tube, then it is necessary to drink weak solutions of citric or acetic acid.

A serious problem is superficial burns caused by alkalis (which happens much more often than poisoning after ingestion). In this case, there are long non-healing ulcers. With constant work with alkalis, the skin softens, the stratum corneum of the skin of the hands is gradually removed (this condition is called "washerwomen's hands"), eczema occurs, the nails become dull and exfoliate from the nail bed. It is dangerous to get even the smallest droplets of alkaline solutions into the eyes - not only the cornea is affected, but also the deep parts of the eye. The outcome is usually tragic - blindness, and vision is practically not restored. This must be taken into account when inhaling soda solutions, especially concentrated and hot ones.

In case of contact with the skin - washing the affected area with a stream of water for 10 minutes, then lotion from a 5% solution of acetic, hydrochloric or citric acid. In case of contact with eyes, rinse thoroughly with water for 10-30 minutes. Washing should be repeated in the future, for which you can use very weak acidic solutions. If ammonia gets into the eyes after washing, they are instilled with a 1% solution of boric acid or a 30% solution of albucid.

CHLORINE

With this extremely dangerous gas, fate confronts a person more often than we would like. One of the most common reagents in the chemical industry, it enters our lives in the form of chlorinated water, bleach and detergents, and disinfectants, such as bleach. If acid accidentally enters the latter, a rapid release of chlorine begins in quantities sufficient for severe poisoning.

High concentrations of chlorine can lead to instant death due to paralysis of the respiratory center. The victim begins to quickly suffocate, his face turns blue, he rushes about, makes an attempt to escape, but immediately falls, loses consciousness, his pulse gradually disappears. In case of poisoning with slightly smaller amounts, breathing resumes after a short stop, but becomes convulsive, the pauses between respiratory movements are longer and longer, until after a few minutes the victim dies from respiratory arrest due to a severe burn of the lungs.

In everyday life, there are poisonings with very low concentrations of chlorine or chronic poisoning due to constant contact with active chlorine-releasing substances. A mild form of poisoning is characterized by redness of the conjunctiva and oral cavity, bronchitis, sometimes slight emphysema, shortness of breath, hoarseness, and often vomiting. Pulmonary edema rarely develops.

Chlorine can stimulate the development of tuberculosis. With chronic contact, the respiratory organs are primarily affected, the gums become inflamed, the teeth and nasal septum are destroyed, and gastrointestinal disorders occur.

Urgent care. First of all, you need clean air, peace, warmth. Immediate hospitalization for severe and moderate forms of poisoning. In case of irritation of the upper respiratory tract, inhalation of a sprayed 2% solution of sodium thiosulfate, solutions of soda or borax. Eyes, nose and mouth should be washed with a 2% soda solution. Plentiful drink is recommended - milk with Borjomi or soda, coffee. With persistent painful cough inside or intravenously, codeine, mustard plasters. With narrowing of the glottis, warm alkaline inhalations, warming of the neck area, subcutaneous 0.1% atropine solution are necessary.