Hazmat

Basics

Description

  • Hazmat refers to exposure to hazardous materials causing local or systemic toxicity
  • Pathophysiology:
    • Acids cause coagulation necrosis with eschar, usually limiting penetration to deeper tissue
    • Alkalis cause liquefaction necrosis and soluble complexes that penetrate into deeper tissues
    • Damage also occurs through oxidation, protein denaturation, cellular dehydration, local ischemia, and metabolic competition/inhibition

Etiology

  • Hazardous materials are encountered in household, industry, agriculture, transportation accidents, and in criminal/terrorist activities
  • The toxicity of the materials relates to the particular substances and their effects, and the route of exposure: Ingestion, inhalation, absorption, or injection

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