Does Antifreeze poisoning containing propylene glycol occur ?To answer this question, read the text below. Antifreeze contains chemicals that are toxic if consumed. Antifreeze poisoning can be life threatening and requires immediate medical attention. People add antifreeze to car radiators to prevent freezing. Antifreeze usually contains ethylene glycol, methanol and propylene glycol. Propylene glycol and ethylene glycol have similar physical properties and applications. Their chemical structures differ only in one methyl group. Ethylene glycol is an important cause of acute toxicity in humans. In contrast, propylene glycol is an additive “known as a safe agent” for food and medicine. Although the chemicals in antifreeze are relatively non-toxic, the body can metabolize them into highly toxic alcohol by-products. The symptoms of antifreeze poisoning can be time consuming and can be similar to those of alcohol poisoning. Anyone suspected of eating antifreeze by themselves or someone else should see a doctor immediately. Eating antifreeze can happen accidentally for many reasons. For example, children may drink antifreeze. Because ethylene glycol tastes sweet. However, manufacturers often add ingredients that make the antifreeze taste bitter to reduce the desire to drink it. Someone may accidentally drink antifreeze stored in an unlabeled container such as a glass, food jar, or beverage bottle. However, eating antifreeze is not always accidental. Some people may use antifreeze as an alternative source of alcohol. Other people may intentionally use antifreeze as a means of suicide Benefits and harms of monopropylene glycol.
Symptoms of antipyretic poisoning containing propylene glycol may not appear immediately after ingestion because it takes time for the body to metabolize chemicals. The body converts antifreeze chemicals into smaller alcohols and acids such as glycolaldehyde, glycolic acid, glyoxylate, and oxalic acid. The onset and severity of symptoms can vary depending on the type and amount of antifreeze a person eats. In general, antifreeze poisoning occurs in three stages. We discuss each of the following:
The first stage of antifreeze poisoning usually begins between 30 minutes and 12 hours after ingestion. Ethylene glycol and propylene glycol in antifreeze first affect the central nervous system. The early signs of antifreeze poisoning may be similar to those of alcohol poisoning. Symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, headache, seizures, nausea and vomiting, and coma.
People generally enter the second stage of antifreeze poisoning. During this stage, the body continues to metabolize the chemicals in antifreeze to toxic acids. These acids lower the pH level of the blood, which leads to a condition called metabolic acidosis. At this stage, antifreeze poisoning affects several organs including the kidneys, brain, lungs and liver. People in the second stage of antifreeze poisoning may experience irregular heartbeat, shallow breathing, confusion, and changes in blood pressure.The person may also become unconscious or comatose at this stage. A doctor may suggest more aggressive treatments for an individual in the second stage of antifreeze poisoning.
The third stage of antifreeze poisoning occurs between 24-72 dimensions. If left untreated, the accumulation of calcium oxalate crystals can lead to kidney failure. A doctor may recommend hemodialysis to treat antifreeze poisoning. Early diagnosis and treatment of antifreeze poisoning is essential to reduce the risk of permanent organ damage and long-term health effects. The treatment of antifreeze poisoning focuses on the following: Prevent the continuation of antifreeze metabolism in the body Eliminate antifreeze and toxic metabolites from a person’s bloodstream Provide supportive care, especially in more severe cases that include organ failure. Doctors prescribe antidotes such as fompizol and ethanol to prevent the metabolism of antifreeze chemicals to toxic metabolites in the body. Antidote therapy can help prevent further kidney damage but does not eliminate metabolites that have already accumulated in the kidneys. A doctor may then focus on restoring a person’s blood pH to a normal level, such as using a bicarbonate solution through a vein. Your doctor may also recommend hemodialysis to remove antifreeze and toxic metabolites from the bloodstream. During hemodialysis, a health care professional inserts a tube with a needle into a person’s arm. This tube is connected to the dialysis machine. The person’s blood flows along the tube into the device, which filters out toxins and waste products. The filtered blood is then transferred to another person’s arm through another tube.
Workers in industries that produce or use antifreeze containing propylene glycol are at the highest risk of poisoning. Especially those who are involved in car maintenance and aircraft defrosting. Although skin contact is the main route of exposure to propylene glycol, vapors or fogs can be inhaled when the chemical is heated, stirred, or sprayed.