Introduction
Oxalyl chloride is a highly reactive and toxic chemical compound with the chemical formula C2Cl2O2. It is commonly employed in the chemical industry to synthesize various organic compounds. This substance has no color and appears as an oily liquid that emits a strong, unpleasant smell. It is highly reactive with water and can produce hydrochloric acid, carbon monoxide, and oxalic acid, which makes it a potent oxidizing agent. Its main uses include the production of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, dyes, and plastics. The synonyms of oxalyl chloride are ethanediol dichloride and oxalic dichloride.
What is Oxalyl Chloride Toxicity?
Oxalyl chloride is a highly toxic chemical compound that can cause severe health problems if improperly handled. Its toxicity is mainly due to its ability to produce hydrochloric acid, carbon monoxide, and oxalic acid when it reacts with water or moisture in the air. These compounds can cause severe damage to the respiratory system, eyes, skin, and other organs if inhaled, ingested, or exposed to the skin. Due to its highly reactive nature and potential to cause severe health problems, proper safety measures must be taken when handling oxalyl chloride.
What Are the Causes of Oxalyl Chloride Toxicity?
The causes of oxalyl chloride toxicity include:
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Accidental Exposure: Accidental spills or leaks of oxalyl chloride can result in exposure to the compound. This can occur during the chemical's transport, storage, or handling.
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Occupational Exposure: Workers in the chemical industry who handle oxalyl chloride or work in areas where the compound is used are at risk of exposure. Inhalation of oxalyl chloride vapors or contact with the skin or eyes can result in toxicity.
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Environmental Exposure: Oxalyl chloride can also enter the environment through wastewater discharges from chemical manufacturing plants. This can lead to exposure to animals and humans living in the surrounding areas.
What Are the Potential Health Effects of Oxalyl Chloride Toxicity?
Oxalyl chloride toxicity can lead to a range of symptoms that may differ depending on the route of exposure and the level of exposure.
Acute Health Effects
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Exposure Through Ingestion: Ingesting the substance accidentally can cause serious harm to an individual's health, as some animal experiments indicate that ingesting even less than 40 grams could be fatal. Consuming acidic corrosives can lead to burns in and around the mouth, throat, and esophagus (a tube that connects the throat and abdomen and act as a pathway for the transportation of food and liquids). It may cause immediate pain and difficulty in swallowing and speaking. Swelling of the epiglottis can obstruct breathing and cause suffocation. Epiglottis is a flap of tissue positioned at the base portion of the tongue to prevent food or liquid from entering the windpipe during swallowing. It may result in vomiting blood and thick mucus, abnormally low blood pressure, fluctuating pulse, and shortness of breath in severe cases. Additionally, it can cause stomach wall inflammation and esophageal tissue rupture.
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Eye Exposure: Eye contact with the substance can cause severe chemical burns to the eyes, while exposure to its vapors or mists can be extremely irritating and cause severe damage. Eye contact with acidic corrosives can lead to pain, tears, light sensitivity, and burns. Mild burns usually heal quickly and completely, but severe burns may cause long-lasting and potentially irreversible damage. Eye irritation may also cause excess production of tears (lachrymation).
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Skin Exposure: Skin contact with oxalyl chloride can cause skin irritation, including burning, redness, itching, and blistering. The affected area of burns may have well-defined borders and take a long time to heal, possibly resulting in scar tissue formation.
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Exposure Through Inhalation: Inhalation of oxalyl chloride mists or fumes inhaled causes serious harm to an individual's health. Those who come in contact with such materials might experience respiratory irritation, and the body's response to this irritation can result in additional lung damage. In the case of corrosive acids, respiratory tract irritation can cause coughing, choking, and damage to the mucous membranes. Symptoms such as dizziness, headache, nausea, and weakness may also occur. Swelling of the lungs can happen immediately or after a delay, resulting in chest tightness, shortness of breath, frothy mucus, and cyanosis (a bluish discoloration caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood). Oxygen insufficiency can lead to death hours after onset.
Chronic Health Effects
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Teeth erosion, swelling, and or ulceration of mouth lining due to prolonged or repeated exposure to acids.
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The burn due to eye contact may not be visible for several weeks after the initial contact, and the cornea can become opaque, resulting in blindness.
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Prolonged exposure can cause irritation and inflammation to the skin or conjunctiva.
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Prolonged exposure to oxalyl chloride can cause damage to the liver and kidneys, leading to symptoms such as jaundice, abdominal swelling, and changes in urine output.
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Exposure to high levels of oxalyl chloride can cause central nervous system symptoms such as dizziness, headache, confusion, and seizures.
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Inhalation of liquid mist can be particularly hazardous and potentially even lethal due to spasms, chemical pneumonitis, and pulmonary edema.
What Is the Treatment for Oxalyl Chloride Toxicity?
The treatment for oxalyl chloride toxicity involves managing symptoms and preventing further exposure to oxalyl chloride. The following are the treatment methods for treating toxicity:
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Decontamination: The first step in treating oxalyl chloride toxicity is to remove the individual from the source of exposure and decontaminate their skin and clothing. To achieve this, wash the affected areas with soap and water.
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Supportive Care: Supportive care is used to manage the symptoms of oxalyl chloride toxicity. This may include administering oxygen, bronchodilators, or mechanical ventilation to manage respiratory symptoms. Intravenous fluids may be given to manage dehydration caused by vomiting or diarrhea.
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Medications: Medications may be given to manage symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and pain. For severe symptoms, such as seizures, anticonvulsant medication may be given.
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Monitoring: Individuals who have been exposed to oxalyl chloride should be monitored closely for signs of complications such as respiratory failure or kidney damage. Doctors might suggest undergoing blood and urine tests to monitor organ function and to evaluate the extent of the exposure.
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Long-Term Management: In cases where exposure to oxalyl chloride has caused significant organ damage, long-term management may be necessary. This may include ongoing monitoring of kidney function or treatment for respiratory or eye damage.
What Are the Ways to Prevent Oxalyl Chloride Toxicity?
The safety precautions that should be followed to prevent oxalyl chloride toxicity include:
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Anyone who works with or handles oxalyl chloride should wear appropriate protective equipment, such as gloves, goggles, and respiratory masks.
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Working in a well-ventilated area can help prevent inhaling oxalyl chloride vapors. If working in a confined space, ventilation equipment such as fans or exhaust systems should be used.
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People should adhere to appropriate storage and handling protocols to avoid accidental spills or exposure.
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Anyone who works with or handles oxalyl chloride should be trained in safe handling and emergency procedures. Emergency procedures should be in place in case of accidental exposure or spillage, and employees should be trained to follow them.
Conclusion
Oxalyl chloride toxicity occurs due to exposure to the compound through occupational or accidental exposure, inadequate safety measures, or environmental exposure. When working with oxalyl chloride, implementing necessary safety precautions to prevent exposure and toxicity is of utmost importance. Individuals who suspect exposure to oxalyl chloride should seek medical attention immediately.
