carbon tetrachloride poisoning

carbon tetrachloride poisoning

Etymology: L, carbo, coal; Gk, tetra, four, chloros, greenish; L, potio, drink

toxic effects of exposure to carbon tetrachloride, a colorless commercial dry cleaning fluid also used in fire extinguishers and industrial solvents. It may attack both liver and kidneys. Symptoms include persistent headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, uremia, lethargy, confusion resulting from central nervous system depression, and degeneration of the liver and kidneys. Ingestion of the liquid or inhalation of the fumes usually results in headaches, nausea, central nervous system depression, abdominal pain, and convulsions. In poisoning by inhalation, ventilatory assistance and oxygen may be necessary.

carbon tetrachloride poisoning

Poisoning caused by 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.

Treatment

Clothes contaminated with carbon tetrachloride are removed. Oxygen, artificial respiration, gastric decontamination, and management of cardiac rhythms are often needed.

See also: poisoning