First aid for arsenic poisoning

Arsenic is a natural element of the earth’s crust and is widely distributed in the environment, its inorganic form is highly toxic. It is important to understand that even the smallest amount of arsenic oxide causes poisoning with a possible fatal outcome.

Elevated levels of arsenic can be found in groundwater, smoke from smelting ore, burning waste and coal. In addition, it can be found in seafood if the catch was carried out in unfavorable areas of the ocean. It is also added to chemical products: dyes, preservatives, pesticides, antifungal agents. Often, arsenic is used in the manufacture of electronic devices, instruments and glasses. It is one of the most famous poisons and is very popular in detective fiction.

At the same time, this poison is part of some drugs that are aimed at improving health. Previously, it was quite often used by dentists to act on the nerve; currently, arsenic is not used for this.

Tobacco smokers may also be exposed to inorganic arsenic found in tobacco, as plants absorb a great deal of arsenic, which is naturally present in the soil. In the past, levels of potential exposure to arsenic were much higher, as tobacco plants were traditionally treated with an insecticide containing lead arsenate.

The symptoms of poisoning with this poison are very similar to others, so the slow deterioration in health was easily explained by various diseases.

In the modern world, arsenic poisoning most often occurs through negligence. White poison with an admixture of arsenic can be mistaken for wheat flour. In addition, poisoning can occur at work if safety rules are not followed, or in the event of an emergency. Often, workers are poisoned by gaseous poisons. Cases of murder or suicide with the use of this poison are not uncommon.

With prolonged use of water or medications, even with a minimum content of arsenic, chronic poisoning occurs.

Symptoms of poisoning

Symptoms of arsenic poisoning make themselves felt within half an hour after the oral ingestion of a toxic substance into the body. When poison enters through the respiratory tract, intoxication manifests itself almost instantly.

Signs are similar to classic chemical intoxication of the body: general weakness, abdominal pain, headache, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. A characteristic smell of garlic is heard from the mouth, the skin becomes dry, diuresis decreases, tachycardia and thirst appear, pressure decreases.

If first aid is not provided to the victim in time, the poisoning is aggravated and leads to damage to various organs. Arrhythmia, convulsions, pulmonary edema develop. All this can be accompanied by internal bleeding, which is very life-threatening. In addition, the skin turns yellow and the urine turns dark. In some cases, the victim develops kidney failure.

In chronic poisoning, the first symptoms appear over a longer period. During this time, arsenic attacks nerve tissues and leads to the development of conditions such as encephalopathy and neuropathy.

Against this background, a person has pain in the limbs, the sensitivity of the skin is disturbed, as well as the work of the heart, pericarditis or myocarditis develops. In some cases, a manifestation of chronic poisoning will be a toxic form of hepatitis, bronchitis, laryngitis, anemia, tracheitis. This poison is a carcinogen, therefore, with chronic exposure, skin and lung tumors may develop. Arsenic has also been associated with poor pregnancy outcomes and neonatal mortality, and exposure during fetal development and early life has been linked to increased mortality among young people due to various cancers, lung diseases, heart attacks, and kidney failure. Many studies have shown the negative effects of arsenic exposure on mental development. , intelligence level and memory.

First aid for poisoning

If you suspect arsenic poisoning by mouth, you should immediately drink a glass of warm water in which three grams of citric acid or one tablespoon of vinegar is diluted.

Plentiful drinking is recommended (the procedure helps not only to quickly remove the poison along with urine, but also fights dehydration of the body caused by vomiting and diarrhea); in no case should you fight vomiting and diarrhea, on the contrary, you need to promote the natural cleansing of the body by drinking warm milk, Taking adsorbents is not a very effective procedure, however, in the absence of other means, it helps to somewhat reduce the dose of poison in the body. If arsenic gets on the skin, it is enough to wash the body with warm water and soap, preventing the poison from being absorbed into the blood.

It is important to understand that in case of arsenic poisoning, emergency medical attention is needed. Toxicologists are engaged in the treatment of intoxication of the body with arsenic.

Before treatment, laboratory tests are prescribed. Analysis of urine and blood allows you to determine the amount of arsenic in the body. It should be noted that in the urine it should not exceed 100 mcg per 1 liter of urine, and in the blood 30 mcg per 1 liter. Also in the blood there is a decrease in hemoglobin and red blood cells, an increased ESR, and in the urine an increase in protein levels.

After a few months, arsenic can easily be detected in the hair and nails of the victim. There are special drugs that act as an antidote and are administered intramuscularly in a hospital, antidote and symptomatic therapy is also performed, and if necessary, urgent resuscitation measures.

Possible consequences

Arsenic poisoning is very difficult, as many organs and systems are affected. The outcome of this may be chronic liver and kidney failure. If the tissues are seriously affected, then this can lead to disability. In severe intoxication, death is possible.

To avoid poisoning, you should follow all safety regulations when working with arsenic, wear protective gloves, a mask and overalls. Do not store this poison at home, or keep it out of the reach of children and make bright markings on the package. People who live in areas with the highest levels of natural arsenic should be more careful and use purified water.

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