Public Health Emergency

PUBLIC HEALTH The role of Public Health in any chemical or biological incident is of paramount importance. Public Health services provide cornerstone resources for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of health concerns, and strategies for protection against health threats. Public Health activities occur at a local, county (regional) and state level

CHEMICALS Good or Bad - The Scourge of the Twentieth Century +

EMERGENCY RESPONSE -OR- WHAT TO DO IF A POSSIBLE CHEMICAL EXPOSURE VICTIM COMES POUNDING ON YOUR DOOR

SODIUM HYDROXIDE - NaOH Sodium Hydroxide is caustic and is one of several alkaline compounds referred to as “lye” Inhalation of Sodium hydroxide dust, mist or aerosol may cause irritation of the mucous membranes Sodium hydroxide is odorless There is no antidote for sodium hydroxide Treatment consists of respiratory and cardiovascular support Chemical Used In The Neutralization Of VX

SODIUM HYDROXIDE HEALTH Material may cause severe injury or death if toxic fumes are inhaled, if ingested or comes in contact with skin Avoid any skin contact Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed

SODIUM HYDROXIDE (cont’d) FIRE OR EXPLOSION Non-combustible substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas Containers may explode when heated

SCENARIO It was a typical August day, sun shining, hot and humid, with a light breeze blowing from the south west. A transport tanker, hauling ethanol, was headed north on U.S. 41, and in the process of making a left turn onto U.S The driver of the tanker apparently did not see the southbound truck approaching the intersection. This truck was carrying a load of sodium hydroxide. The southbound driver, realizing there was to be an impact, veered his vehicle to the right, skidding sideways into and capsizing the tank truck. Southbound Northbound

SCENARIO (cont’d) A valve on the tanker popped open, permitting some ethanol to escape on the ground. After the impact, the southbound truck lost some containers of sodium hydroxide. Sparks from the tanker ignited the fuel. The fire and heat from the fire created a plume while heating the sodium hydroxide.

Jct. U.S. 41 & U.S. 136

Table Top Begins Show picture of exposed person (chemical, that is). (Just a note to myself)

SODIUM HYDROXIDE (cont’d) FIRST AID Isolate victim from other patients Cover with plastic sheeting to prevent others from exposure to chemical Observe patient for effects of chemical exposure ♦ Redness of skin ♦ Miosis and/or Watery eyes

SODIUM HYDROXIDE FIRST AID (Cont’d) Dim vision or Blurred vision – victim may complain or general eye pain, squinting or blinking. ♦ Runny nose ♦ Localized Sweating ♦ Gastrointestinal Symptoms ♦ Generalized weakness

SODIUM HYDROXIDE FIRST AID (Cont’d) ♦ Give artificial respiration if victim has stopped breathing. (Only if victim has not inhaled or ingested the substance) ♦ Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. ♦ Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. ♦ Decontaminate ♦ Keep victim warm and quiet

NOT THE END