Insidious As Air

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Introduction

The United Nations Secretary General & his team have done an admirable job not to let a landmark achievement like the Paris Agreement get forgotten & consequently consigned to some dusty basement in New York. Despite the troubling rumors that some Member States are seriously considering back-tracking in their commitments, the public spotlight on the destructive effects of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) has not been allowed to wane. But Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O), Ozone (O3) & Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are not the only 5 kinds of gases that could prove extremely detrimental to the welfare of the human race. There are 5 others that could prove as harmful in a far more fast-acting manner - & consequently need to be monitored with as much efficiency (courtesy Wikipedia):

Carbon Monoxide (CO): Colorless, Odorless & Tasteless

Carbon monoxide poisoning is the most common type of fatal air poisoning in many countries. Carbon monoxide is highly toxic. It combines with hemoglobin to produce carboxyhemoglobin, which usurps the space in hemoglobin that normally carries oxygen, but is ineffective for delivering oxygen to bodily tissues. Concentrations as low as 667 ppm may cause up to 50% of the body's hemoglobin to convert to carboxyhemoglobin. A level of 50% carboxyhemoglobin may result in seizure, coma & fatality. The most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may resemble other types of poisonings & infections, including symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue & a feeling of weakness. Affected families often believe they are victims of food poisoning. Infants may be irritable & feed poorly. Neurological signs include confusion, disorientation, visual disturbance, syncope (fainting) & seizures. Some descriptions of carbon monoxide poisoning include retinal hemorrhages, & an abnormal cherry-red blood hue. Exposures to carbon monoxide may cause significant damage to the heart & central nervous system, especially to the globus pallidus, often with long-term chronic pathological conditions. Carbon monoxide may have severe adverse effects on the fetus of a pregnant woman.

Diazomethane (CH2N2): Yellow & Musty

Diazomethane is toxic by inhalation or by contact with the skin or eyes. Symptoms include chest discomfort, headache, weakness &, in severe cases, collapse. Symptoms may be delayed. Deaths from diazomethane poisoning have been reported. In one instance a laboratory worker consumed a hamburger near a fumehood where he was generating a large quantity of diazomethane, & died four days later from fulminating pneumonia. Like any other alkylating agent it is expected to be carcinogenic, but such concerns are overshadowed by its serious acute toxicity.

Nickel Tetracarbonyl (Ni[CO]4): Sooty & Musty - Like Brick Dust

The hazards of nickel carbonyl are far greater than that implied by its CO content, reflecting the effects of the nickel if released in the body. Nickel carbonyl may be fatal if absorbed through the skin or more likely, inhaled due to its high volatility. Nickel carbonyl poisoning is characterized by a two-stage illness. The first consists of headaches & chest pain lasting a few hours, usually followed by a short remission. The second phase is a chemical pneumonitis which starts after typically 16 hours with symptoms of cough, breathlessness & extreme fatigue. These reach greatest severity after four days, possibly resulting in death from cardiorespiratory or renal failure. Convalescence is often extremely protracted, often complicated by exhaustion, depression & dyspnea on exertion.

Phosgene (COCl2): Freshly-Cut Grass Or Hay Scent

Phosgene is an insidious poison as the odor may not be noticed & symptoms may be slow to appear. Its high toxicity arises from the action of the phosgene on the proteins in the pulmonary alveoli, the site of gas exchange: their damage disrupts the blood-air barrier, causing suffocation. It reacts with the amines of the proteins, causing crosslinking by formation of urea-like linkages.

Tetraethyl Pyrophosphate (C8H20O7P2): Mildly Fruity Scent

Tetraethyl pyrophosphate (TEPP) can cause death within hours or even minutes, but also can be delayed for several days. When it is given in small doses, humans could survive a total dose of 40 mg/kg. Frequent early symptoms of TEPP poisoning are dizziness, headache, weakness, muscle twitching, tremor, abdominal cramps, nausea, diarrhea & sweating & can develop within 4-12 hours of the contact. Blurred or dark vision, tightness in the chest, confusion, wheezing & productive coughing may occur. Slowing of the heartbeat rarely progresses to complete sinus arrest, but the respiratory depression can be fatal. Severe poisoning could be indicated by incontinence, unconsciousness & convulsions.