Ethylene glycol (Antifreeze; Ethylene Glycol Compound Brake Fluid)

Ethylene glycol (antifreeze; ethylene glycol brake fluid) is a chemical used in the automotive industry as a coolant for engines and brake fluid for brake systems. However, this substance can be dangerous to humans if ingested.

Ethylene glycol has a selective psychotropic (narcotic) effect and can cause nephro- and hepatotoxic effects. After taking antifreeze orally, mild intoxication may initially occur if you feel well. However, after 5-8 hours, symptoms of poisoning appear, such as abdominal pain, extreme thirst, headache, vomiting and diarrhea. The skin becomes dry and hyperemic, and the mucous membranes become cyanotic.

After this, psychomotor agitation, dilated pupils, increased body temperature, shortness of breath, tachycardia and increased blood pressure, and then collapse, may be observed. In severe poisoning, loss of consciousness, stiff neck and clonic-tonic convulsions are possible. Breathing becomes deep and noisy, and metabolic acidosis may develop.

One of the complications of this poisoning is acute heart failure and pulmonary edema. On the 2-5th day after poisoning, anuria, toxic hepatopathy and acute hepatic-renal failure may occur. The lethal dose of ethylene glycol is about 100 ml.

Treatment of ethlene glycol poisoning includes gastric lavage through a tube and taking laxative salts. Calcium chloride or gluconate is used to bind the resulting oxalic acid. In the first 1-2 days after poisoning, it is recommended to carry out forced diuresis, as well as hemodialysis, hemosorption or peritoneal dialysis.

To reduce agitation, patients may be given magnesium sulfate intramuscularly and undergo a spinal tap. To treat acidosis, intravenous administration of a 4% sodium bicarbonate solution is used in an amount of up to 1000-1500 ml per day.

In conclusion, it should be noted that ethlene glycol (antifreeze; ethlene glycol brake fluid) is a dangerous substance for humans, and its ingestion can cause serious health complications. Therefore, it is necessary to take precautions and avoid the possibility of accidental use of this substance. If you suspect ethylene glycol poisoning, you should immediately seek medical help to prevent serious complications and preserve the person's health and life.