Types of poisonous gases, their effect on the body. Characteristics of explosive and harmful gases Natural gas is the best type of fuel

Poison gas is a toxic chemical that causes intoxication of the body and damage to internal organs and systems. It enters through the respiratory system, skin, gastrointestinal tract.

List of poison gases according to their toxicological effects:

1. Nerve-paralytic - carbon monoxide, sarin.
2. Skin-blisters - lewisite, mustard gas.
3. Asphyxiants - phosgene, diphosgene, chlorine.
4. Lacrimal - bromobenzyl cyanide, chloroacetophenone.
5. General impact - hydrocyanic acid, cyanogen chloride.
6. Irritant - adamsite, CR, CS.
7. Psychotomimetic - BZ, LSD-25.

Consider the most dangerous gases, the mechanism of their defeat, signs of poisoning in humans.

Sarin

Sarin is poisonous liquid substance, which at a temperature of 20 °C quickly evaporates and has a nerve-paralytic effect on the human body. As a gas, it is colorless and odorless, most dangerous if inhaled.

Symptoms appear immediately upon inhalation. The first signs of poisoning are shortness of breath, constriction of the pupil.

Clinical manifestations:

• irritation of the nasal mucosa, liquid discharge;
• salivation, vomiting;
• chest tightness;
• shortness of breath, blue skin;
• spasm of the bronchi and increased formation of mucus in them;
• pulmonary edema;
• severe cramps and pain in the abdomen.

In case of ingestion of high concentrations of sarin vapours, severe brain damage occurs after 1-2 minutes. A person cannot control the physiological functions of the body - involuntary defecation and urination. There are convulsions, convulsions. A coma develops followed by cardiac arrest.

Mustard gas

Mustard gas is mustard gas. This is a chemical compound of blistering action. In liquid form, the substance has the smell of mustard. It enters the body in two ways - by airborne droplets and by contact of liquid with the skin. Has a tendency to accumulate. Signs of poisoning appear after 2-8 hours.

Symptoms of gas intoxication by inhalation:

• damage to the mucous membrane of the eyes;
• lacrimation, photophobia, feeling of sand in the eyes;
• dryness and burning in the nose, then swelling of the nasopharynx with purulent discharge;
• laryngitis, tracheitis;
• bronchitis.

If liquid enters the eyes, it will cause blindness. In severe poisoning with mustard gas, pneumonia develops, death occurs on the 3-4th day from suffocation.

Symptoms of gas poisoning upon contact with the skin are redness followed by the formation of vesicles containing serous fluid, skin lesions, ulcers, necrosis. Gas destroys cell membranes, disrupts carbohydrate metabolism, partially destroys DNA and RNA.

Lewisite

Lewisite is the strongest toxic substance, the vapors of which are able to penetrate through a chemical protection suit and a gas mask. It is a brown liquid with a pungent odor. The gas is classified as a skin blister agent. Acts on the body instantly and has no latent period.

Symptoms of gas poisoning in case of damage to the skin develop within 5 minutes:

• pain and burning at the point of contact;
• inflammatory changes;
• painful redness;
• the formation of bubbles, they quickly open;
• the appearance of erosion, heal for several weeks;
• in severe cases, when large concentrations of lewisite are ingested, deep ulcers form.

Gas inhalation symptoms:

• damage to the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx, trachea, bronchi;
• nasal fluid;
• sneezing, coughing;
• headache;
• nausea, vomiting;
• loss of voice
• feeling of pressure in the chest, shortness of breath.

The mucous membrane of the eyes is highly sensitive to poisonous gas.. It becomes red, eyelids swell, lacrimation intensifies. The person experiences a burning sensation in the eyes. When liquid lewisite enters the gastrointestinal tract, the victim begins to profuse salivation and vomiting. Sharp pains in an abdominal cavity join. Internal organs are affected, blood pressure drops sharply.

hydrogen sulfide

Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless gas with a pungent odor of rotten eggs. In high concentrations, the substance is very toxic. Entering the body by inhalation, symptoms of general intoxication develop - headache, dizziness, weakness. Hydrogen sulfide is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and affects the central nervous system.

Signs of gas poisoning:

• metallic taste in mouth;
• paralysis of the nerve responsible for smell, so the victim immediately ceases to feel any smells;
• respiratory tract damage, pulmonary edema;
• severe convulsions;
• coma.

Carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a colorless poisonous substance, lighter than air. Entering the body through the respiratory tract, it is rapidly absorbed into the blood and binds to hemoglobin. This blocks the transport of oxygen to all cells, oxygen starvation sets in, and cellular respiration stops.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning:

• dizziness and headache;
• rapid breathing and heartbeat, shortness of breath;
• noise in ears;
• impaired visual acuity, flickering in the eyes;
• skin redness;
• nausea, vomiting.

In severe poisoning, convulsions are observed. The symptoms preceding the coma are growing - a drop in blood pressure, severe weakness, loss of consciousness. In the absence of medical care, death occurs within 1 hour.

Phosgene

Phosgene is a colorless gas with an odor of rotten hay. The substance is dangerous if inhaled, the first signs of intoxication appear after 4-8 hours. At high concentrations, death occurs within 3 seconds. Gas, getting into the lungs, destroys them, causing instant swelling.

Symptoms at different stages of poisoning:

1. Pulmonary edema begins to develop in the latent period, when the victim is unaware of poisoning. The first signals from the body are a sweet, sugary taste in the mouth, nausea. Sometimes there is vomiting. A person feels a sore throat, itching and burning in the nasopharynx. There is a cough reflex, breathing and pulse are disturbed.
2. After a latent period, the victim's condition deteriorates sharply. There is a strong cough, the person begins to choke. Blue skin and lips.
3. Stage of progressive deterioration - strong pressure in the chest, leading to suffocation, the respiratory rate increases by 70 per minute (normal 18). The lungs produce a lot of fluid and mucus due to the decomposition of the alveoli. The person coughs up bloody sputum. Breathing becomes impossible. 50% of the BCC (volume of circulating blood) goes to the lungs and increases them. The mass of one lung can be 2.5 kg (norm 500-600 g).

In severe cases, death in 10-15 minutes. In case of gas poisoning of moderate severity, death occurs in 2-3 days. Recovery can occur 2-3 weeks after poisoning, but this is rare due to infection.

Hydrocyanic acid

Hydrocyanic acid is a colorless, light and mobile liquid with a pronounced odor. It blocks the chain of oxygen movement through the tissues, causing tissue hypoxia. Gas affects the nervous system, disrupting the innervation of organs.

Symptoms of respiratory poisoning:

• dyspnea;
• at the beginning of the development of the clinical picture, frequent breathing;
• with severe intoxication - respiratory depression and its stop.

Signs from the heart:

• slowing down of heart beats;
• increase in blood pressure;
• vasospasm;
• as symptoms increase - pressure drop, increased heart rate, acute cardiovascular failure, cardiac arrest.

Poison gases are strong, fast-acting substances. Emergency resuscitation measures are needed to save a person. With a favorable outcome, the victim needs long-term rehabilitation treatment.

1. Suspended solids

Suspended solids include dust, ash, soot, smoke, sulfates, nitrates. Depending on the composition, they can be highly toxic and almost harmless. Suspended solids are formed as a result of the combustion of all types of fuel: during the operation of car engines and during production processes. With the penetration of suspended particles into the respiratory system, a violation of the respiratory and circulatory systems occurs. Inhaled particles affect both directly the respiratory tract and other organs due to the toxic effects of the components that make up the particles. The combination of high concentrations of suspended solids and sulfur dioxide is dangerous. People with chronic lung disorders, diseases of the cardiovascular system, asthma, frequent colds, the elderly and children are especially sensitive to the influence of small suspended particles. Dust and aerosols not only make it difficult to breathe, but also lead to climate change, as they reflect solar radiation and make it difficult to remove heat from the Earth. For example, the so-called smog - in densely populated southern cities reduce the transparency of the atmosphere by 2-5 times.

2. Nitrogen dioxide

A colorless, odorless toxic gas.

Nitrogen oxides enter the atmosphere from industrial enterprises, power plants, furnaces and boiler houses, as well as from vehicles. They can be formed and released into the atmosphere in large quantities during the production of mineral fertilizers. In the atmosphere, nitrogen oxide emissions are transformed into nitrogen dioxide. It is a colorless, odorless poisonous gas. Nitrogen dioxide is an important component of photochemical processes in the atmosphere associated with the formation of ozone during sunny weather. At low concentrations of nitrogen dioxide, respiratory failure and coughing are observed. The World Health Organization has found that an hourly average concentration of nitrogen dioxide equal to 400 mcg/m3 causes painful symptoms in patients with asthma and other groups of people with hypersensitivity. At an average annual concentration of 30 mcg/m3, the number of children with rapid breathing, coughing and bronchitis increases. Nitrogen dioxide reduces the body's resistance to diseases, reduces hemoglobin in the blood, and irritates the respiratory tract. With prolonged inhalation of this gas, oxygen starvation of tissues occurs, especially in children. Causes diseases of the respiratory system, blood circulation and malignant neoplasms. Leads to exacerbation of various pulmonary and chronic diseases.

3. Carbon monoxide

A colorless, odorless gas.

The concentration of carbon monoxide II in urban air is greater than any other pollutant. However, since this gas is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, our senses are unable to detect it. The largest source of carbon monoxide in cities is motor vehicles. In most cities, over 90% of carbon monoxide enters the air due to incomplete combustion of carbon in motor fuel according to the reaction: 2C + O2 = 2CO. Complete combustion produces carbon dioxide as the end product: C + O2 = CO2. Another source of carbon monoxide is tobacco smoke, which is encountered not only by smokers, but also by their immediate environment. It has been proven that a smoker absorbs twice as much carbon monoxide as a non-smoker. Carbon monoxide is inhaled with air or tobacco smoke and enters the blood, where it competes with oxygen for hemoglobin molecules. Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin molecules more strongly than oxygen. The more carbon monoxide in the air, the more hemoglobin binds to it and the less oxygen reaches the cells. The ability of the blood to deliver oxygen to the tissues is impaired, vascular spasms are caused, and the immunological activity of a person decreases. For this reason, carbon monoxide at elevated concentrations is a deadly poison. Carbon monoxide also enters the atmosphere from industrial enterprises as a result of incomplete combustion of fuel. A lot of carbon monoxide is contained in the emissions of metallurgical and petrochemical enterprises. Carbon monoxide inhaled in large quantities enters the bloodstream, increases the amount of sugar in the blood, and reduces the supply of oxygen to the heart. In healthy people, this effect is manifested in a decrease in the ability to endure physical activity. In people with chronic heart disease, it can affect the entire vital activity of the body. In cases of being on a highway with heavy traffic for 1-2 hours, some people with heart disease may experience various symptoms of ill health.

4. Sulfur dioxide

A colorless gas with a pungent odor.

In low concentrations (20-30 mg/m3) sulfur dioxide creates an unpleasant taste in the mouth, irritates the mucous membranes of the eyes and respiratory tract. It is released into the atmosphere mainly as a result of the operation of thermal power plants (TPPs) during the combustion of brown coal and fuel oil, as well as sulfur-containing petroleum products and during the production of many metals from sulfur-containing ores - PbS, ZnS, CuS, NiS, MnS, etc. When coal or oil is burned, the sulfur contained in them is oxidized, and two compounds are formed - sulfur dioxide and sulfur trioxide. When dissolved in water, sulfur dioxide forms acid rain, which destroys plants, acidifies the soil, and increases the acidity of lakes. Even with an average content of sulfur oxides in the air of about 100 µg/m3, which often occurs in cities, plants acquire a yellowish tint. Coniferous and deciduous forests are most sensitive to it. With a high content of SO2 in the air, the pine tree dries out. It has been noted that respiratory diseases, such as bronchitis, become more frequent with an increase in the level of sulfur oxides in the air. Exposure to sulfur dioxide in concentrations above the MPC can cause respiratory dysfunction and a significant increase in various respiratory diseases, there is an effect on the mucous membranes, inflammation of the nasopharynx, trachea, bronchitis, cough, hoarseness and sore throat. Particularly high sensitivity to the action of sulfur dioxide is observed in people with chronic respiratory disorders, with asthma. With combined concentrations of sulfur dioxide and particulate matter (in the form of soot) on average per day above 200 µg/m3 in adults and children, slight changes in lung activity are observed.

5. Benz(a)pyrene

Benz(a)pyrene (BP) enters the atmosphere during the combustion of various fuels. A lot of BP is contained in the emissions of non-ferrous and ferrous metallurgy, energy and construction industries. WHO has set an annual mean of 0.001 µg/m3 as a value above which adverse human health effects, including cancer, may be observed.

6. Lead

Lead air pollution is created by metallurgy, metalworking, electrical engineering, petrochemistry and motor transport enterprises. Near roads, lead concentrations are 2-4 times higher than far from them. Lead is affected in many ways, including inhalation of air containing lead, food, water, and dust. 50% of this metal enters the body through the respiratory system. It accumulates in the body, bones and superficial tissues. Lead affects the kidneys, liver, nervous system and blood-forming organs. Has a mutagenic effect. Organic lead compounds disrupt metabolism. Lead compounds are especially dangerous for a child's body, as they cause chronic brain diseases leading to mental retardation. The increase in the intensity of car traffic, the use of leaded gasoline is accompanied by an increase in lead emissions from cars.

7. Formaldehyde

A colorless gas with a pungent, irritating odor.

It is part of many artificial materials: plywood, varnishes, cosmetics, disinfectants, substances used in the household. Formaldehyde is found in harmful emissions from thermal power plants and other industrial furnaces. A certain amount of formaldehyde is formed even when smoking cigarettes. And finally, it is found everywhere in nature, even in the human body. Natural concentrations do not affect human health in any way, but high concentrations of formaldehydes of artificial origin are dangerous for him. They cause headaches, loss of attention, pain in the eyes. The respiratory tract and lungs, mucous tissues of the gastrointestinal tract are damaged. Allergic reactions caused by formaldehyde disrupt the functioning of internal organs and cause chronic diseases. The genetic apparatus is also affected, which can cause the occurrence of cancerous tumors. Free formaldehyde inactivates a number of enzymes in organs and tissues, inhibits the synthesis of nucleic acids, disrupts the metabolism of vitamin C. When some materials are burned, formaldehyde is formed. It is found, for example, in car exhaust and cigarette smoke. Indoor MPCs can easily be exceeded due to cigarette smoking alone.

8. Phenol

Colorless crystalline substances, rarely high-boiling liquids with a characteristic strong odor.

Monoatomic - strong nerve poisons that cause general poisoning of the body also through the skin, which is cauterized. Polyatomic - can be the cause of skin diseases, with prolonged intake into the body they can inhibit enzymes. Phenol oxidation products are less toxic. Technical phenol is a red-brown, sometimes black viscous liquid. Phenol is used mainly for the synthesis of phenol-formaldehyde and other resins, a number of aromatic compounds; for disinfection. Phenol and its derivatives are among the most dangerous toxic compounds contained in the effluents of a number of industries. Signs of phenol poisoning are a state of excitement and an increase in motor activity, turning into convulsions, which indicate a violation of functions nervous system, and, first of all, the neuromuscular apparatus. In chronic poisoning, respiratory tract irritation, indigestion, nausea, vomiting in the morning, general and muscle weakness, skin itching, irritability, and insomnia are observed.

9. Chlorine

A gas with an unpleasant and specific odour.

The main sources of chlorine exposure of importance to human health are industrial emissions. Chlorine is corrosive to most building materials and also to fabrics. Process systems containing chlorine are made closed. Impacts are observed mainly as a result of poor plant performance or accidental releases. When ejected, it spreads low on the ground. At low concentrations, the acute effects of chlorine exposure are usually limited to a pungent odor and mild eye and upper respiratory tract irritation. These phenomena disappear shortly after the cessation of exposure. With increasing concentrations, the symptoms become more pronounced and the lower respiratory tract is involved in the process. In addition to immediate irritation and the cough associated with it, the victims have anxiety. Exposure to chlorine at higher concentrations is characterized by shortness of breath, cyanosis, vomiting, headache, and increased arousal, especially in individuals prone to neurotic reactions. Tidal volume decreases and pulmonary edema may develop. With treatment, recovery usually occurs within 2-14 days. In more severe cases, complications such as infectious or aspiration pneumonia should be expected.

10. Arsenic

Arsenic and its compounds. - Calcium arsenate, sodium arsenite, Paris greens and other arsenic-containing compounds are used as pesticides for seed dressing and pest control, they are physiologically active and poisonous. The lethal dose when taken orally is 0.06-0.2 g. Its soluble compounds (anhydrides, arsenates and arsenites), when taken with water into the gastrointestinal tract, are easily absorbed by the mucous membrane, enter the bloodstream, are carried by it to all organs, where and accumulate. Symptoms of arsenic poisoning are a metallic taste in the mouth, vomiting, severe abdominal pain. Later convulsions, paralysis, death. The most famous and widely available antidote for arsenic poisoning is milk, more precisely the main milk protein casein, which forms an insoluble compound with arsenic that is not absorbed into the blood. Chronic arsenic poisoning leads to loss of appetite, gastrointestinal diseases.

11. Carcinogens

Substances that have the ability to cause the development of malignant tumors.

Among the substances that enter the air and water environment, carcinogens are zinc, arsenic, lead, chromium, nitrates, iodine, benzene, DDT, manganese. Molybdenum, lead and copper cause disturbances of the central nervous system; bromine, barium and cadmium - kidney damage; mercury and iron are diseases of the blood.

12. Ozone (surface)

A gaseous (under normal conditions) substance whose molecule consists of three oxygen atoms. In direct contact, it acts as a strong oxidizing agent.

The depletion of the ozone layer leads to an increase in the flow of UV radiation to the earth's surface, which leads to an increase in cases of skin cancer, cataracts and weakened immunity. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet light leads to an increase in the incidence of melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer.

Ground-level ozone is not released directly into the air, but results from chemical reactions between nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of solar radiation. Emissions from industrial plants and thermal power plants, vehicle exhaust, gasoline fumes and chemical solvents are the main sources of NOx and VOCs.

At ground level, ozone is a harmful pollutant. Ozone pollution poses a threat during the summer months, as intense sunlight and hot weather contribute to harmful levels of ozone in the air we breathe. Inhaling ozone can cause a range of health problems, including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, and redness of the body. It can worsen the condition of patients with bronchitis, emphysema and asthma. Ground-level ozone can impair lung function and lead to inflammation. Repeated exposure to ozone-rich environments can cause scarring of the lungs.

13. Ammonia

combustible gas. It burns in the presence of a constant source of fire. Vapors form explosive mixtures with air. Containers may explode when heated. Explosive mixtures are formed in empty containers.

Harmful by inhalation. Vapors are highly irritating to the mucous membranes and skin, causing frostbite. Adsorbed on clothing.

In case of poisoning, there is a burning sore throat, a strong cough, a feeling of suffocation, burns to the eyes, skin, severe agitation, dizziness, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, spasm of the glottis, suffocation, delirium, loss of consciousness, convulsions and death are possible ( due to heart failure or respiratory arrest). Death most often occurs after a few hours or days as a result of swelling of the larynx or lungs.

14. Hydrogen sulfide

A colorless gas with an unpleasant odor. Heavier than air. Soluble in water. Accumulates in low areas of the surface, basements, tunnels.

combustible gas. Vapors form explosive mixtures with air. It ignites easily and burns with a pale blue flame.

Symptoms of poisoning, headache, irritation in the nose, metallic taste in the mouth, nausea, vomiting, cold sweat, palpitations, sensation of constriction of the head, fainting, chest pain, choking, burning eyes, lacrimation, photophobia, possibly fatal if inhaled.

15. Hydrogen fluoride

A colorless, low-boiling liquid or gas with a pungent odor. Heavier than air. Soluble in water. Smokes in the air. Corrosive. Accumulates in low parts of the surface, basements, tunnels.

Not hot. On contact with metals liberates flammable gas. Poisonous when taken orally. May be fatal if inhaled. Works through damaged skin. Vapors are highly irritating to mucous membranes and skin. Contact with liquid causes skin and eye burns.

Symptoms of poisoning, irritation and dryness of the nasal mucosa, sneezing, coughing, choking, nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness, redness and itching of the skin.

16. Hydrogen chloride

A colorless gas with a pungent odor. In the air, interacting with water vapor, forms a white mist of hydrochloric acid. Extremely well soluble in water.

Hydrogen chloride has strong acid properties. Reacts with most metals to form salts and release hydrogen gas.

Due to the extremely high solubility in water, poisoning occurs, as a rule, not with gaseous hydrogen chloride, but with a mist of hydrochloric acid. The main affected area is the upper respiratory tract, where most of the acid is neutralized. Consideration should be given to the contamination of emissions with other substances, as well as the possibility of formation of toxic reagents, especially arsine (AsH3).

17. Sulfuric acid

Oily liquid, colorless and odorless. One of the strongest acids. Obtained by burning sulfur or sulfur-rich ores; the resulting sulfur dioxide is oxidized to anhydrous sulfur gas, which is absorbed by water to form sulfuric acid.

Sulfuric acid is one of the main products chemical industry. It goes to the production of mineral fertilizers (superphosphate, ammonium sulfate), various acids and salts, medicines and detergents, dyes, artificial fibers, explosives.

It is used in metallurgy (decomposition of ores, such as uranium), for the purification of petroleum products, as a desiccant, etc.
It acts in a destructive way on plant and animal tissues and substances, taking away water from them, as a result of which they are charred.

18. Copper

Copper is a yellow-orange metal with a red tint, has a high thermal and electrical conductivity.

Copper enters the environment from baths of copper plating, brassing, bronzing, from baths for removing copper coatings and from baths for pickling copper rolled products and tombac, as well as during pickling of printed circuit boards.

Copper acts on the respiratory system, metabolism, allergen. With the simultaneous presence of heavy metals, three types of manifestation of toxic properties are possible:

1. Synergism - the effect of the action is greater than the total effect (cadmium in combination with zinc and cyanides);

2. Antagonism - the effect of the action is less than the total effect. For example, with the combined presence of copper and zinc, the toxicity of the mixture is reduced by 60-70%;

3. Additive - action effect is equal to the sum toxicity effects of each of the heavy metals (a mixture of zinc and copper sulfides in low concentrations).

Vapors of metallic copper, formed during the production of various alloys, can enter the body with inhaled air and cause poisoning.

The absorption of copper compounds from the stomach into the blood is slow. Since copper salts that enter the stomach cause vomiting, they can be excreted from the stomach with vomit. Therefore, only small amounts of copper enter the blood from the stomach. When copper compounds enter the stomach, its functions may be disturbed and diarrhea may appear. After the absorption of copper compounds into the blood, they act on the capillaries, cause hemolysis, damage to the liver and kidneys. With the introduction of concentrated solutions of copper salts into the eyes in the form of drops, conjunctivitis may develop and damage to the cornea may occur.

19. Cadmium

Cadmium is a silvery-white, cast blue metal, soft and fusible, tarnishing in air due to the formation of a protective oxide film.

The metal itself is non-toxic, but soluble cadmium compounds are extremely poisonous. Moreover, any way they enter the body and in any state (solution, dust, smoke, fog) is dangerous. In terms of toxicity, cadmium is not inferior to mercury and arsenic. Cadmium compounds have a depressing effect on the nervous system, affect the respiratory tract and cause changes in internal organs.

Large concentrations of cadmium can lead to acute poisoning: a minute stay in a room containing 2500 mg / m 3 of its compounds leads to death. In acute poisoning, the symptoms of the lesion do not develop immediately, but after a certain latent period, which can last from 1-2 to 30-40 hours.

Despite the toxicity, it has been proven that cadmium is a trace element vital for the development of living organisms.

20. Beryllium

Beryllium is the second lightest known metal. Due to its properties, beryllium and its alloys are widely used in industry. Some fuels, such as coal and oil, contain parts of beryllium, so this element is found in the air and in the living tissues of urban residents. The burning of waste and garbage is also a source of air pollution. In general, beryllium can be ingested by inhalation of dust or fumes, or by skin contact.

The toxicity of beryllium has been known since the 1930s, and since the 1950s it has been recognized as dangerous to people and the environment. Thanks to the safety measures taken, the acute forms of beryliosis have practically disappeared, but chronic cases are still being recorded. A distinctive feature of chronic beryllium-induced diseases (CBD) is their ability to masquerade as sarcoidosis (Beck's disease), so CBD is very difficult to detect.

Sarcoidosis causes granulomas in the lungs, liver, spleen, and heart. A skin disease develops and a strong weakening of the immune system is observed. AT chronic form beryliosis is characterized by severe shortness of breath, cough, fatigue, chest pain, weight loss, increased sweating, fever, and decreased appetite. The time elapsed from the first contact with beryllium to the appearance of clinical signs can vary from several months to several decades. At an early stage, the disease is accompanied by a violation of air exchange in the lungs, and at a late stage, its almost complete cessation is observed.

Like acute pneumonitis, chronic pneumonitis, sarcoidosis, and acute beryliosis, they are all the most dangerous forms of chronic kidney disease.

21. Mercury

Mercury is a heavy silver-white metal, the only metal that is liquid under normal conditions.
Poisoning with mercury and its compounds is possible in mercury mines and factories, in the production of some measuring instruments, lamps, pharmaceuticals, insectofungicides, etc.

The main hazard is metal mercury vapor, the release of which from open surfaces increases with increasing air temperature. When inhaled, mercury enters the bloodstream. In the body, mercury circulates in the blood, combining with proteins; partially deposited in the liver, kidneys, spleen, brain tissue, etc. The toxic effect is associated with the blocking of sulfhydryl groups of tissue proteins, impaired brain activity (primarily, the hypothalamus). Mercury is excreted from the body through the kidneys, intestines, sweat glands, etc.

Acute poisoning with mercury and its vapors are rare. In chronic poisoning, emotional instability, irritability, decreased performance, sleep disturbance, trembling of the fingers, decreased sense of smell, and headaches are observed. A characteristic sign of poisoning is the appearance of a blue-black border along the edge of the gums; gum disease (looseness, bleeding) can lead to gingivitis and stomatitis. In case of poisoning with organic compounds of mercury (diethylmercury phosphate, diethylmercury, ethylmercuric chloride), signs of simultaneous damage to the central nervous (encephalo-polyneuritis) and cardiovascular systems, stomach, liver, and kidneys predominate.

22. Zinc

Zinc is a bluish white metal. It plays an important role in the synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins. The element is necessary to stabilize the structure of DNA, RNA, ribosomes, plays an important role in the translation process and is indispensable at many key stages of gene expression.

Elevated concentrations of zinc have a toxic effect on living organisms. In humans, they cause nausea, vomiting, respiratory failure, pulmonary fibrosis, and is a carcinogen. An excess of zinc in plants occurs in areas of industrial soil pollution, as well as with improper use of zinc-containing fertilizers.

Carbon monoxide (carbon monoxide).

carbon monoxide- colorless gas, odorless, slightly lighter than air, poorly soluble in water, has a boiling point: - 191.5°C. In air, it ignites at a temperature of 700 ° C and burns with a blue flame to CO 2 .

Sources of release into the environment.

Carbon monoxide is part of the atmosphere (10%). Carbon monoxide enters the atmosphere as part of volcanic and swamp gases, as a result of forest and steppe fires, release by microorganisms, plants, animals and humans. From the surface layers of the oceans, 220x10 6 tons of carbon monoxide are released annually as a result of the photodecomposition of red, blue-green and other algae, the waste products of plankton. The natural level of carbon monoxide in the atmospheric air is 0.01-0.9 mg/m 3 .

Carbon monoxide enters the atmosphere from industrial enterprises, primarily metallurgy. In metallurgical processes, smelting 1 million tons of steel produces 320-400 tons of carbon monoxide. A large amount of CO is formed in the oil industry and at chemical enterprises (cracking of oil, production of formalin, hydrocarbons, ammonia, etc.). Another important source of carbon monoxide is tobacco smoke. The concentration of carbon monoxide is high in coal mines, on coal supply routes. Carbon monoxide is formed during the incomplete combustion of fuel in furnaces and internal combustion engines. An important source of carbon monoxide is road transport.

As a result of human activity, 350-600x10 6 tons of carbon monoxide enter the atmosphere annually. About 56-62% of this amount is accounted for by vehicles (the content of carbon monoxide in exhaust gases can reach 12%).

behavior in the environment.

Under normal conditions, carbon monoxide is inert. It does not chemically interact with water. The solubility of CO in water is about 1:40 by volume. In solution, it is able to reduce salts of gold and platinum to free metals already at ordinary temperature. CO also does not react with alkalis and acids. It interacts with caustic alkalis only at elevated temperatures and high pressures.

The loss of carbon monoxide in the environment occurs due to its decomposition by soil fungi. In addition, with an excess of oxygen in soils of heavy mechanical composition, rich in organic matter, there is a transition of CO to CO 2 .

Impact on the human body.

Carbon monoxide is extremely toxic. The permissible content of CO in industrial premises is 20 mg / m 3 during the working day, 50 mg / m 3 for 1 hour, 100 mg / m 3 for 30 minutes, in the atmospheric air of the city the maximum one-time (for 20 minutes) - 5 mg / m 3, the average daily MPC - 3 mg / m 3. The natural level of carbon monoxide in the atmospheric air is 0.01-0.9 mg/m 3 .

CO is breathed in with the air and enters the blood, where it competes with oxygen for hemoglobin molecules. Carbon monoxide, having a double chemical bond, combines with hemoglobin more firmly than an oxygen molecule. The more CO2 in the air, the more hemoglobin molecules bind to it and the less oxygen reaches the cells of the body. The ability of blood to deliver oxygen to tissues is impaired, vasospasm is caused, the immunological activity of a person decreases, accompanied by headache, loss of consciousness and death. For these reasons, CO in elevated concentrations is a deadly poison.

CO disrupts phosphorus metabolism. Violation of nitrogen metabolism causes zotemia, a change in the content of plasma proteins, a decrease in the activity of blood cholinesterase and the level of vitamin B 6 . Carbon monoxide affects carbohydrate metabolism, enhances the breakdown of glycogen in the liver, disrupting the utilization of glucose, and raising blood sugar levels. The flow of CO from the lungs into the blood is due to the concentration of CO in the inhaled air and the duration of inhalation. The release of CO occurs mainly through the respiratory tract.

The central nervous system suffers most from poisoning. When inhaled at low concentrations (up to 1 mg / l) - heaviness and a feeling of squeezing the head, severe pain in the forehead and temples, dizziness, trembling, thirst, increased heart rate, nausea, vomiting, fever up to 38-40 ° C. Weakness in the legs indicates the spread of action to the spinal cord.

The extreme toxicity of CO, its lack of color and odor, as well as the very weak absorption of it by activated carbon in a conventional gas mask, make this gas especially dangerous.

Ammonia.

Ammonia- colorless gas with a pungent odor, melting point - 80°C, boiling point - 36°C, soluble in water, alcohol and a number of other organic solvents. Synthesized from nitrogen and hydrogen. In nature, it is formed during the decomposition of nitrogen-containing organic compounds.

Finding in nature.

In nature, it is formed during the decomposition of nitrogen-containing organic compounds.

The pungent smell of ammonia has been known to man since prehistoric times, since this gas is formed in significant quantities during the decay, decomposition and dry distillation of nitrogen-containing organic compounds, such as urea or proteins. It is possible that in the early stages of the Earth's evolution there was quite a lot of ammonia in its atmosphere. Even now, however, minute amounts of this gas can always be found in the air and in rainwater, since it is continuously formed during the decomposition of animal and vegetable proteins.

Anthropogenic sources of entry into the environment.

The main sources of ammonia emissions are nitrogen fertilizer plants, enterprises for the production of nitric acid and ammonium salts, refrigeration plants, coking plants and livestock farms. In areas of technogenic pollution, ammonia concentrations reach 0.015-0.057 mg/m 3 , in control areas - 0.003-0.005 mg/m 3 .

Impact on the human body.

This gas is toxic. A person is able to smell ammonia in the air already at an insignificant concentration - 0.0005 mg / l, when there is still no great danger to health. With an increase in concentration by 100 times (up to 0.05 mg / l), an irritating effect of ammonia on the mucous membrane of the eyes and upper respiratory tract is manifested, even reflex respiratory arrest is possible. A concentration of 0.25 mg / l can hardly withstand even a very healthy person for an hour. Even higher concentrations cause chemical burns to the eyes and respiratory tract and become life-threatening. Outward signs of ammonia poisoning can be quite unusual. In victims, for example, the hearing threshold drops sharply: even not too loud sounds become unbearable and can cause convulsions. Ammonia poisoning also causes strong excitement, up to violent delirium, and the consequences can be very severe - up to a decrease in intelligence and a change in personality. Obviously, ammonia is capable of affecting the vital centers, so that when working with it, precautions must be carefully observed.

Chronic exposure to sublethal doses of ammonia leads to autonomic disorders, increased excitability of the parasympathetic nervous system, complaints of weakness, malaise, runny nose, cough, chest pain.

Substance hazard class - 4.

1 water contains oxygen
2 fish breathe oxygen dissolved in water
3 Vessel filled with oxygen
4 The graphite lead of the pencil represents carbon
5 Air contains nitrogen
6 Nitrogen is a colorless gas, slightly lighter than air.

Colorless gas A, which is the main component of air, at elevated temperatures and pressure in the presence of a catalyst, reacted with

hydrogen. As a result, a colorless gas B with a characteristic pungent odor was obtained, which is highly soluble in water. solution B, which is capable of coloring phenolphthalein crimson, absorbed the gaseous (n.o.) substance C, obtained by the action of concentrated sulfuric acid on common salt. At the same time, a solution of salt D was formed, upon addition of which a white curdled precipitate D precipitated to a solution of silver (I) nitrate.

Colorless liquid A was heated with zinc, and gas B was released, colorless and practically odorless, slightly lighter than air. When oxidized with oxygen

In the presence of palladium and copper chlorides, B turns into C. When the vapors of C are passed along with hydrogen over a heated nickel catalyst, compound D is formed.
Choose these substances A-D:
1) CO
2) CH3-CH2-Br.
3) CH3-CH2-OH
4) CH2=CH2
5) CH2Br-CH2Br
6) CH3-CH=O

1. In two identical vessels at n. y. contains 3.36 liters of two colorless gases A and B, each of which is 3.45% lighter than air. When gas is burned

in oxygen, water is not found in the reaction products, and when gas B is burned, water is found. What mass of a 15% solution of lime water will be required to absorb the products of combustion of gases A and B with the formation of an acid salt? 2. carbon dioxide, formed during the complete combustion of 0.1 mol of an unknown alkane, was passed through an excess of lime water. At the same time, 40 grams of a white precipitate fell out. Determine the molecular formula of this hydrocarbon 3. A mixture of barium and sodium carbonates weighing 150 grams was dissolved in an excess of hydrochloric acid. An excess of sodium sulfate solution was added to the resulting solution. At the same time, 34.95 grams of sediment fell. determine the mass fractions of carbonates in the mixture. 4. Given 10 grams of a mixture of aluminum, magnesium and silicon oxide IV. When it was dissolved in a concentrated solution of sodium hydroxide, 6.72 liters of hydrogen were obtained. When the same mixture was dissolved in hydrochloric acid, 8.96 liters of hydrogen were obtained. Calculate the mass fractions of the components of the mixture. 5. Phosphorus oxide obtained by burning phosphorus was dissolved in a 25% sodium hydroxide solution (p = 1.28 g / ml) to form 24 grams of sodium dihydrogen phosphate. Calculate the mass of oxidized phosphorus and the volume of alkali used 6. Manufacturer refrigeration equipment « Electrolux» in quality refrigerant uses hydrocarbon, cyclical buildings, having density on methane 4 ,375 . Determine molecular formula this hydrocarbon

1. Colorless gas, odorless. 2. Heavier than air, 3. Poisonous, 4. Highly soluble in water, 5. Poorly soluble in water, 6. Slightly lighter than air, 7. Shows acidic properties. 8. Non-salt-forming oxide. 9. Combines with blood hemoglobin, 10. Obtained by the decomposition of carbonates. 11. At high pressure, it liquefies, "dry ice" is formed, 12. Used to produce soda, 13. Used as gas fuel, 14. Used in the production of fruit waters, 15. Used in organic synthesis. 1. Colorless gas, odorless. 2. Heavier than air, 3. Poisonous, 4. Highly soluble in water, 5. Poorly soluble in water, 6. Slightly lighter than air, 7. Shows acidic properties. 8. Non-salt-forming oxide. 9. Combines with blood hemoglobin, 10. Obtained by the decomposition of carbonates. 11. At high pressure, it liquefies, "dry ice" is formed, 12. Used to produce soda, 13. Used as gas fuel, 14. Used in the production of fruit waters, 15. Used in organic synthesis.

Carbonic acid H 2 CO 3 Mr (H 2 CO 3) \u003d \u003d 62 Carbonic acid H 2 CO 3 Mr (H 2 CO 3) \u003d \u003d 62

Since carbonic acid is dibasic, it forms two types of salts: carbonates and bicarbonates (Na 2 CO 3, NaHCO 3) Alkali metal and ammonium carbonates are highly soluble in water, alkaline earth metal carbonates and some others are practically insoluble in water. Aluminum, iron, chromium carbonates cannot exist in aqueous solutions, as they undergo complete hydrolysis. Almost all bicarbonates are soluble in water Since carbonic acid is dibasic, it forms two types of salts: carbonates and bicarbonates (Na 2 CO 3, NaHCO 3) Alkali metal and ammonium carbonates are highly soluble in water, carbonates of alkaline earth metals and some others are practically insoluble in water . Aluminum, iron, chromium carbonates cannot exist in aqueous solutions, as they undergo complete hydrolysis. Almost all hydrocarbons are soluble in water.

Na 2 CO 3 - Soda ash - is used to produce alkalis, in the manufacture of glass, in everyday life as a detergent. NaHCO 3 - baking or drinking soda - is used in the food industry, to charge fire extinguishers, in medicine for heartburn. (CuOH) 2 CO 3 - malachite - in pyrotechnics, for the manufacture of mineral paints, in nature in the form of the mineral malachite (carved stone) CaCO 3 - chalk, limestone, marble - for the manufacture of lime, marble as a finishing stone, in agriculture for liming soils. K 2 CO 3 - potash - for the manufacture of soap, refractory glass, in photography. Na 2 CO 3 *10H 2 O - crystalline sodium carbonate - consumed by the soap, glass, textile, paper, oil industries. Na 2 CO 3 - Soda ash - is used to produce alkalis, in the manufacture of glass, in everyday life as a detergent. NaHCO 3 - baking or drinking soda - is used in the food industry, to charge fire extinguishers, in medicine for heartburn. (CuOH) 2 CO 3 - malachite - in pyrotechnics, for the manufacture of mineral paints, in nature in the form of the mineral malachite (carved stone) CaCO 3 - chalk, limestone, marble - for the manufacture of lime, marble as a finishing stone, in agriculture for liming soils. K 2 CO 3 - potash - for the manufacture of soap, refractory glass, in photography. Na 2 CO 3 *10H 2 O - crystalline sodium carbonate - consumed by the soap, glass, textile, paper, oil industries.