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Ethylene Dibromide
From WikEM
Contents
Background
- Volatile liquid used in leaded gasoline and pesticides
Mechanism of Toxicity
- Irritant, with potential to cause chemical burns
- Respiratory tract irritation if inhaled
- Metabolites irreversibly bind to DNA and enzymes
Clinical Features
- Pulmonary edema
- Respiratory tract irritation
- Eye irritation
- Local swelling, inflammation with skin exposure
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Coma
- Seizures
- Rhabdomyolysis
- Metabolic acidosis
Evaluation
- Based on clinical history
- Specific levels are not useful in the ED
Management
- Decontamination measures
- Administer activated charcoal
- Treat wheezing, obstruction, pulmonary edema
- No role for hemodialysis
References
- Olson, K. Poisoning and Drug Overdose, 1999.
