title: Toxin-induced respiratory distress.
abstract: This article describes the impact of various toxic substances on the airway and pulmonary system. Pulmonary anatomy and physiology provide the basis for understanding the response to toxin-induced injury. Simple asphyxiants displace oxygen from the inspired air. Respiratory irritants include water-soluble and water-insoluble compounds. Several inhaled agents produce direct airway injury, which may be mediated by caustic, thermal, and hydrocarbon exposures. Unique pulmonary toxins and toxicants are discussed, as well as inhaled toxin mixtures. Several inhaled toxins may also impair oxygen transport. The pulmonary system may also provide a mechanism for systemic toxin delivery on respiratory exposure.
authors.affiliation: Occupational Health Services, Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, Hartford Hospital, 80 Seymour Street, Hartford, CT 06102-5037, USA; Connecticut Poison Control Center, Division of Medical Toxicology, University of Connecticut Health Center, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030, USA. Electronic address: charles.mckay@hhchealth.org.
authors.forename: Charles A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: McKay
mesh_terms: D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity*; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007509:Irritants / Q000633:toxicity*; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000628:therapy; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D000393:Air Pollutants; D007509:Irritants
keywords: Acute lung injury; Impaired oxygen transport; Inhalation injury; Reactive airways dysfunction syndrome; Respiratory irritant; Simple asphyxiant; Water solubility