Solvents, Gasses, and Vapors

Abstract

This chapter deals with toxicologic hazards of solvents (alcohols, glycols and petroleum), toxic gases and vapors (carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, oxides of nitrogen, cyanide gas, gaseous ammonia, smoke inhalation, phosphine gas etc.), organic compounds, brominated flame retardants, perfluorinated agents, persistent halogenated aromatic products, coat tar products, pentachlorophenols, and household products (chlorine bleaches, detergents, soaps and shampoos etc.). Hydrogen sulfide (H2S; “sewer gas,” “swamp gas,” “sour gas,” and “stink damp”) is most commonly encountered as a byproduct of the decomposition of sulfur-containing organic material. In general, the toxic effects of multiple solvents are additive; solvents may also interact synergistically or antagonistically. The chapter briefly describes the overview, key points, and relevant text that are in the format of problem-solving study questions followed by multiple-choice questions (MCQs) along with their answers.