Diagnostic Considerations
Exposure to plants (eg, poison ivy) or adverse drug reactions can cause the same skin changes as those found in organic arsenical exposure. Mustard gas causes the same signs and symptoms; however, a latent period of several hours occurs between exposure and symptoms. The eye and respiratory irritation produced by organic arsenical vapor is similar to that of the choking agents (eg, phosgene) or riot control agents (eg, CS).
Maintain a high index of suspicion to make the diagnosis of organic arsenical exposure. Diagnosis in solitary cases is difficult.
Differential Diagnoses
Tables
Classification |
10 min |
30 min |
1 h |
4 h |
8 h |
AEGL-2 (disabling) |
1.3 mg/m3 (0.15 ppm) |
0.47 mg/m3 (0.055 ppm) |
0.25 mg/m3 (0.030 ppm) |
0.070 mg/m3 (0.0083 ppm) |
0.037 mg/m3 (0.0044 ppm) |
AEGL-3 (lethal) |
3.9 mg/m3 (0.46 ppm) |
1.4 mg/m3 (0.16 ppm) |
0.74 mg/m3 (0.087 ppm) |
0.21 mg/m3 (0.025 ppm) |
0.11 mg/m3 (0.013 ppm) |
