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

Anthony J. Tomassoni, Robert N.E. French, Frank G. Walter

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

22 Scopus citations

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)13-36
Number of pages24
JournalEmergency medicine clinics of North America
Volume33
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1 2015

Keywords

  • Antidotes
  • Exposure history
  • Toxic industrial chemicals
  • Toxidrome

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Emergency Medicine

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