Author: Glossary

A toxic reaction to the neurotoxin delivered by the pointed, hollow teeth of the marine animal contained in the cone shell. Intense local pain, swelling, and numbness may last several days. In severe poisoning, muscular incoordination and weakness can progress to respiratory paralysis. Although death can occur, recovery within 24 hr is the usual outcome.…

The chronic ingestion or inhalation of lead, damaging the central and peripheral nervous systems, kidneys, the blood-forming organs, and the gastrointestinal tract. Early symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, anemia, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, headache, lead line on gums, apathy or irritability, and a metallic taste in the mouth. Later, symptoms of paralysis, sensory loss,…

Toxicity caused by excess chromium (e.g., in mining, welding, or pigment manufacturing). It may cause contact dermatitis, skin burns, or lung, liver, or kidney damage. Treatment after ingestion consists of gastrointestinal irrigation followed by forced diuresis and alkalinization of urine.  

Toxic effects due to prolonged inhalation of carbon tetrachloride. Consequences include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headache, confusion, central nervous system depression, visual disturbances, nausea, anorexia, hepatitis, nephropathy, and cardiac arrhythmias.  

Toxicity from carbon dioxide inhalation. In small quantities (up to about 5%) in inspired air, C02 stimulates respiration in humans; in greater quantities it produces an uncomfortable degree of mental activity with confusion. Although not toxic in low concentrations, C02 can cause death by suffocation. Poisoning is rarely fatal unless exposure occurs in a closed…