Xylene poisoning

 

Substance:

• Name: Xylene (二甲苯)
• Common Uses: Solvent in chemical industries and de-waxing agent in pathology labs.

Common Name:

• Common Name: Xylene

Involving System:

• Primary Systems Affected: Central Nervous System (CNS), Respiratory System, Skin, Liver, Kidneys

Presentation:

1. Acute Exposure:

   • Low Concentration (50 ppm or less): Mild symptoms like headache, dizziness, and nausea.
   • Moderate Concentration (50–200 ppm): CNS symptoms, reduced concentration, drowsiness, respiratory irritation (sore throat, cough).
   • High Concentration (>200 ppm): Severe CNS depression, dizziness, ataxia, fainting, liver and kidney stress.
   • Skin Exposure: Dry skin, dermatitis, possible burns from high concentrations.
   • Ingestion: CNS suppression, gastrointestinal irritation, coma, and respiratory depression.

2. Chronic Exposure:

   • Nervous System: Memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mood changes.
   • Liver & Kidneys: Metabolic burden leading to damage.
   • Reproductive Toxicity: Decreased sperm count, menstrual irregularities in women.

Antidote:

• No specific antidote.
• Treatment involves supportive care, including oxygen therapy for inhalation exposure, decontamination of skin, and monitoring of liver and kidney function.

Disposition:

• Treatment and Monitoring: Symptomatic management including IV fluids, monitoring for CNS, respiratory, liver, and kidney damage. Active charcoal 1 gm/kg may be administered if ingested.

References:

• For additional case studies and fatal incidents: PubMed link.

Edited by Yu-Jang Su    2 Oct, 2024.