Neurotoxic Chemicals
Neorutoxic chemicals can cause damage (reversible or irreversible) to the central nervous system (the brain and the spinal cord) or the peripheral nervous system (the nerves responsible for movement and sensation in the arms, hands, legs, and feet). This can be a setback in the fire service if the brigade is not protected from exposure or contamination to these materials.
Radioactive Hazards
Radioactive materials may emit alpha or beta particles or gamma rays. These agents can affect the cells of the body in various ways, but each is capable of destroying cells. In an emergency situation, one may know only that a material is radioactive without knowing which type of radiation is being emitted. The brigade should minimize their experience to any type of radiation by limiting the time that they are near the source of radiation; increasing the distance between the brigade and the source; and shielding themselves with appropriate material. SCBA and bunker gear can shield one from most alpha and beta radiation; several inches of lead is necessary to shield one from gamma radiation. Like other exposures, if ones clothing or skin is contaminated with a radioactive substance, exposure will continue until one is decontaminated (Chris, 2009).
Infectious (Etiologic) Agents
Like chemicals, biological agents can gain access to the human body primarily through inhalation, ingestion and contact with skin. Biological agents can also enter the blood stream directly through breaks in the skin.
Infectious agents include viruses such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the herpes virus. In emergency response, the virus that causes hepatitis and AIDS are most easily transmitted through exposure to blood and other body fluids. Avoid exposures to blood and any other body fluids including urine, feces vomits and any body tissues.
4.4 Symptoms of Exposure
Having seen the types of toxins, it would be prudent to be ware of the symptoms to watch out for in order to detect exposure to the toxins. Internal Exposure can exhibit symptoms as, confusion, light-headedness, anxiety, and dizziness. Blurred vision. Changes in skin color or blushing. Coughing or painful respiration. Tingling or numbness of extremities. Loss of coordination. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and unconsciousness.
The external exposure symptoms include; Pain on contact with the skin. Greasy slick feeling on the skin. Burning around the eyes, nose, or mouth. Nausea and vomiting. Localized burning or skin irritation.
4.5 Appropriate Scene Management
These therefore bring us to the appropriate scene management. Tchobanoglous (1977), notes "Emergency incidents can be resolved successfully when the health and safety of responders is maintained as the highest priority, when tactical objectives are appropriate for the established...
Health Hazards: Eyes: Increased tear production, inflammation, accumulation of blood, clouding of the cornea, burns. Ingestion: Unlikely, due to gaseous state: frost-bite of the lips, mouth, and throat possible. Inhalation: Upper airway irritation, cough, choking, shortness of breath, breathing difficulty, vomiting, narrowing of major airways, fluid in lungs, lung lesions, upper airway closure resulting in death, cardiovascular collapse due to low oxygen. Skin: Irritation, ulceration, first, second, and third degree burns, frost-bite. Chemical Name: Acetylene Product Identification: Trade Name: Acetylene Synonyms: Acetylen, Ethine, Ethyne,
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