Aniline (Aminobenzene, Phenylamine)

Aniline, also known as aminobenzene or phenylamine, is an organic compound widely used in the production of dyes, plastics, rubber, pharmaceuticals and other products. However, when properly stored and used, aniline is safe for humans; its improper use can lead to serious health consequences.

Aniline has selective psychotropic, neurotoxic, hepatotoxic and hematotoxic effects. As a result of exposure to the human body, cyanosis of the lips, ears, and nail beds may occur due to acute methemoglobinemia. In addition, severe weakness, dizziness, headache, euphoria with motor excitement, vomiting, and shortness of breath may appear. The pulse becomes rapid, and the liver increases in size and becomes painful. In case of severe poisoning, consciousness can quickly become impaired, a coma can develop, the pupils are constricted, there is no reaction to light, salivation and bronchorrhea occur, and hemic hypoxia develops.

A serious danger from aniline poisoning is paralysis of the respiratory center and exotoxic shock. On the 2-3rd day after poisoning, relapses of methemoglobinemia, clonic-tonic convulsions, toxic anemia, parenchymal jaundice, and acute hepatic-renal failure are possible. The lethal dose of aniline when taken orally is about 1 g.

Treatment of aniline poisoning may include copious gastric lavage, and then the introduction of 150 ml of petroleum jelly into it. Methemoglobinemia may require blood replacement surgery and hemodialysis. Subsequently, forced diuresis with blood alkalization, hemosorption, hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and blood replacement can be used. To treat methemoglobinemia, a 1% solution of methylene blue can be used, as well as ascorbic acid, vitamin B12 and sodium thiosulfate.

In case of exotoxic shock and acute hepatic-renal failure, oxygen therapy and hyperbaric oxygenation can be used.

In conclusion, aniline is a dangerous substance that can cause serious consequences to human health if used incorrectly. When working with aniline, all precautions must be taken, such as the use of protective equipment and proper storage of the substance. In case of aniline poisoning, you must immediately seek medical help and begin treatment, which should only be carried out under the supervision of qualified medical personnel.