Table 2 - Presentation of toxic gas and chemical exposures

Mild exposure: upper airway and ocular irritation, cough, dyspnea, fatigue, cyanosis, vomiting, vertigo, somnolence, and loss of consciousness

Massive exposure: bronchospasm, laryngospasm, reflex respiratory arrest, and asphyxia

Chest film findings: focal opacities or diffuse, patchy opacities; diffuse, bilateral pulmonary edema; bronchiolitis with diffuse, miliary opacities or a ground-glass appearance

Upper airway irritation or edema, laryngospasm, asphyxia, pulmonary edema, severe chronic bronchitis with obstruction, cronchiectasis, bronchial hyperreactivity, and bronchiolitis obliterans

Mild exposure: eye and throat burning, headache, anorexia, dizziness, dyspnea, cough, sleep disturbances, and nausea

Massive exposure: keratoconjunctivitis, palpebral edema, arm cramps, hypertension, bronchitis, hemorrhagic pulmonary edema, unconsciousness, convulsions, and sudden death

Common symptoms: weakness, dizziness, headache, dyspnea, and nausea

Less common symptoms: abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea, and blurred vision

Neuromuscular effects: respiratory center failure and/or respiratory muscle weakness

Respiratory effects: airways inflammation, laryngeal and bronchial constriction, severe hemorrhagic pulmonary edema, or interstitial pneumonitis