Methyl bromide
Background
- Fumigant and pesticide. Also reported as pulmonary chemical weapon
- Colorless, non-flammable gas that has no odor except at high levels
- Binds to and damages DNA
- Neurotoxic, though inhalational injury is most common cause of death acutely
- Long term exposure to low levels can affect CNS
Clinical Features
- Onset of symptoms several minutes to 48h after exposure
- Corrosive to skin and eyes, can cause irritation and blistering, though poorly absorbed through skin
- Neurotoxic
- Effects may be long-lasting
- HA, visual disturbances, fatigue
- Nausea/vomiting
- Cerebellar dysfunction (e.g. nystagmus, ataxia)
- AMS
- Seizure, paralysis
- Inhalational exposure causes direct respiratory irritation --> pulmonary edema
Differential Diagnosis
Chemical weapons
- Blister chemical agents (Vesicants)
- Lewisite (L)
- Sulfur mustard (H)
- Phosgene oxime (CX)
- Pulmonary chemical agents (Choking agents)
- Incendiary agents
- Cyanide chemical weapon agents (Blood agents)
- Prussic acid (AKA hydrogen cyanide, hydrocyanic acid, or formonitrile)
- Nerve Agents (organophosphates)
- Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
- Household and commercial pesticides (diazinon and parathion)
- G-series (sarin, tabun, soman)
- V-series (VX)
- Lacrimating or riot-control agents
- Pepper spray
- Chloroacetophenone
- CS
Evaluation
- Evaluate for alternate diagnoses
Management
- Decontaminate
- Supportive
Disposition
- Dependant on severity of toxicity
See Also
External Links
References
- CDC Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/MMG/MMG.asp?id=818&tid=160
- National Pesticide Information Center http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/MBgen.pdf
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