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Potentially hazardous substances may be encountered as airborne toxicants across occupational, vocational, indoor environmental, and ambient exposure scenarios. These substances can exist in one or more of several physicochemical states, including gases, fumes, mists, aerosols, vapors, and smoke. Table 32–1 lists common definitions of these terms. The physicochemical distinctions among categories of airborne toxicants are of limited clinical application, but may be relevant for industrial hygiene monitoring and in interpreting workplace exposure limits. Airborne toxicants cause respiratory tract injury and/or systemic injury beyond any local effects on the airways or lungs. Either group of toxic responses can be mediated through a wide variety of mechanisms.
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Victims of airborne toxicant exposure may be evaluated and treated across a professional mix of health care providers, including occupational physician or nurse specialists, primary outpatient or inpatient providers, or various subspecialists such as pulmonologists or allergists. Victims of high-intensity exposures are more likely to be managed initially by first responders (eg, paramedics, firefighters, or integrated hazmat teams) and subsequently by emergency department physicians and nurses. Other disciplines (eg, toxicology, otolaryngology, speech therapy, psychiatry, and neurology) may also become involved in the assessment and care of airborne toxicant associated illness, depending on the nature of the exposure, the acuity of the presentation, the constellation of signs and symptoms involved, and forensic or medico-legal considerations.
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ROUTE OF EXPOSURE & TARGET ORGAN TOXICITY
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