Fluorine and fluoride compounds. Fluoride poisoning

Description:

Fluorine and hydrogen fluoride are gases at ordinary temperatures. Fluorine and its compounds are used in many chemical and industrial processes. Fluorine and its salts are poisonous; they disrupt calcium metabolism in the body and interfere with enzymatic processes. Fluorides form insoluble precipitates with calcium and reduce the content of calcium ions in the plasma. Hydrogen fluoride (and its aqueous solution - hydrofluoric acid) has the ability to “corrode” tissue. Upon contact with skin and mucous membranes, it causes deep damage and necrosis. Maximum permissible concentration of hydrogen fluoride is 0.0005 mg/l.

Symptoms:

Inhalation of vapors of hydrogen fluoride or fluorine causes attacks of suffocation, shortness of breath,. After cessation of exposure to vapors, the symptoms disappear, but after a latent period of several hours, coughing, heaviness in the chest, wheezing and cyanosis reappear and develop.

In the case of ingestion of fluorides, such as sodium fluoride, salivation, abdominal pain, diarrhea, weakness, and shallow breathing occur. Can be . Death comes from breathing. If quick death does not occur, then jaundice and.

When hydrogen fluoride gets on the skin and mucous membranes, it causes damage, the severity of which depends on its concentration. Hydrogen fluoride concentrations above 60% quickly cause a deep, painful burn that heals very slowly. Concentrations above 50% cause little tissue damage.

Long-term intake (orally or into the lungs) of fluoride leads to the development chronic poisoning(fluorosis), which is characterized the following symptoms: weight loss, weakness, stiff joints, brittle bones, discoloration of teeth.

Causes:

Damage from fluoride and its derivatives is possible through any method of exposure: inhalation of fluorine or hydrogen fluoride vapor, ingestion of fluoride salts, or skin contact with hydrogen fluoride.

Treatment:

For treatment the following is prescribed:

Urgent Care and treatment. In case of inhalation poisoning, it is necessary to quickly stop the flow of poison vapors into the lungs, provide the victim with strict bed rest, give oxygen if necessary and take measures to combat developing toxic pulmonary edema.

Poisonings caused by ingesting hydrogen fluoride are treated in the same way as oral acid poisonings.

If poisoning is associated with the intake of fluorides, for example sodium fluoride, it is necessary to give the victim calcium orally in any form: calcium gluconate solution, calcium lactate solution, milk. The recommended calcium concentration is 10 g in 250 ml of water. To precipitate and remove fluoride from the intestines, it is necessary to give 10 g of calcium gluconate and 30 g of sodium sulfate in 250 ml of water. Treatment is symptomatic.

In case of eye damage, chemical neutralizers are not used. It is necessary to rinse the eyes for 5 minutes with a stream of water, and then carry out long-term (30–60 minutes) irrigation isotonic solution sodium chloride.

Fluorine- yellowish gas with a strong odor. Combining with hydrogen in the air, it turns into hydrogen fluoride - a colorless gas that forms fog with moist air. Hydrofluoric acid(aqueous solution of hydrogen fluoride) is a colorless liquid. Sodium fluoride- white crystalline powder. Cryolite- natural and artificial. Sodium silicofluoride- “rat poison” is a colorless powder.

Fluorine and its compounds are used in the production of organofluorine substances, fluorinated rubbers, plastics, freons, superphosphate, in the process of electrolytic production of ammonium, and the quality of pesticides, etc. MPC for hydrogen fluoride - 0.5 mg/m3; for hydrofluoric acid salts - 1 mg/m3.

Fluorine is a bioelement. It enters the body mainly through the respiratory system, as well as through the gastrointestinal tract. Hydrogen fluoride, when inhaled, is completely absorbed by the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract. It circulates in the blood in combination with serum albumin. The main depot is bones (96% of absorbed fluoride is retained); teeth, hair. It is excreted slowly, mainly in the urine. The normal fluoride content in urine is 0.4-1.3 mg/l (on average - 0.8 mg/l). Fluorine can be found in all biosubstrates, including breast milk, in large quantities penetrates the placenta into the fetus.

Symptoms

Acute poisoning

Severe irritation of the eyes and upper respiratory tract, ulceration of the conjunctiva (especially under the influence of hydrogen fluoride and elemental fluorine). Soreness and swelling of the nose, difficult-to-heal ulcerations of the mucous membrane of the eyes, nose, oral cavity, nosebleeds. Aphonia. Bronchitis, bronchiolitis, toxic pneumonia, acute failure blood circulation

Possible development of toxic hepatitis and nephropathy. An increase in hemoglobin and red blood cells in the blood, a decrease in ESR, leukopenia, relative lymphocytosis. The outcome of poisoning can be bronchitis, pneumosclerosis with bronchiectasis, dystrophic changes in the myocardium, and liver damage.

If accidentally ingested (“rat poison”) - severe gastroenteritis: vomiting (bloody), bloody diarrhea, sharp pains in the abdomen, subcutaneous hemorrhages. Excited state, paresis, trembling, convulsions, respiratory and cardiac dysfunction, kidney damage.

Chronic poisoning with hydrogen fluoride and fluorides (“fluoridism”)

Early signs: disorders of sensitivity of teeth and gums, jaggedness and abrasion of teeth, brownish staining of enamel, caries; gingivitis and periodontal disease; burning, pain and swelling of the nose, ulceration and perforation of the nasal septum. Hemorrhagic phenomena (nosebleeds and bleeding gums). Bronchospastic syndrome. Dyskinesia of the stomach and intestines. Albuminuria, microhematuria.

In case of severe poisoning - chronic pneumonia; bronchial asthma, which is usually preceded Chronical bronchitis with symptoms of bronchospasm, pneumosclerosis. Pain in the heart area, sometimes like angina pectoris. Dystrophic changes in the myocardium. Autonomic-vascular dysfunction, often with hypertension. Mixed cardiovascular form of circulatory failure with predominance vascular disorders. Cholesterol metabolism disorder. Potentiating effect on the development of atherosclerosis. Gastritis. It is possible to develop a peptic ulcer. Hepatitis.

Mild changes in red and white blood: hypochromic anemia or erythrocytosis, leukopenia or leukocytosis, lympho- and monocytosis, qualitative changes in neutrophils, slowed blood clotting. Enhanced excretion of fluoride in urine (up to 10-40 mg/l).

In women, oligomenorrhea, adnexitis, and decreased lactation capacity are possible. Accumulation of fluoride in the biological media of the mother and fetus with increasing gestational age. Greater sensitivity of women to the effects of fluoride during pregnancy and lactation.

Hydrogen fluoride vapor causes itching, skin irritation and even blistering. The face is affected - swelling, maceration of the skin of the eyelids, nasolabial folds, corners of the mouth. Hydrofluoric acid has a sharp cauterizing effect - vesicular dermatitis, difficult-to-heal ulcers, extensive necrosis.

The most specific changes skeletal system- so-called bone fluorosis, caused primarily by hydrofluoric acid salts and cryolite.

Complaints of stiffness, stiffness in the spine and large joints, joint pain similar to rheumatic pain (in severe cases, painless thickening in the area of ​​​​bone ridges and pelvic protrusions, shoulder girdle, forearms, shins). General health can be satisfactory, without a decrease in performance. The process is systemic in nature, affecting the central spongy bones (spine, pelvis, ribs, shoulder blades) and long tubular bones.

At x-ray examination the skeleton is characterized by generalized osteosclerosis with new bone formation from the endo- and periosteum and calcification of the ligaments.

There are three stages of bone fluorosis:

Stage I - coarsening of the bone structure with thickening of the bone beams of the ribs and spine; sclerosis, periostosis and endostosis of long tubular bones.

I Stage I - massive sclerosis of bones with partial calcification of the attachment points of muscles and ligaments.

Stage III - complete fossil of bones and ligaments of the spine, pelvis and long cylindrical bones.

First aid and treatment

Fresh air, warm-moist soda inhalations, orally - codeine, dionine, diphenhydramine, calcium supplements, expectorants, sedatives. In more severe cases intravenous calcium chloride, cardiovascular agents, oxygen, early antibiotics. Complete rest, immediate hospitalization.

For skin burns with hydrofluoric acid - abundant washing with water for 10-15 minutes, followed by treatment of the burned surface with gauze moistened with a 10% ammonia solution, repeated rinsing with water and application of magnesium ointment (1 part MgO and 2 parts medical petroleum jelly or glycerin) 2 times a day. day.

If the skin is affected by sodium fluoride, use a lead lotion or a lotion of 2% boric acid solution.

Do not use fat-based ointments. Treatment for chronic poisoning is syndromic.

Work ability examination

At initial stage intoxication, it is recommended to transfer to another temporary job and appropriate treatment. With persistent symptoms of hepatitis, polyneuritis, as well as with stage II bone fluorosis, the severity of other lesions of the musculoskeletal system with persistent pain syndrome and dysfunction further work with fluorides is contraindicated. Women during pregnancy and lactation should be excluded from working with fluoride.

Prevention

Mechanization and automation of main production processes. Sealing of equipment. Effective ventilation. Dust respirators. Protective clothing. Instructing workers. Compliance with personal hygiene measures, prohibition of smoking and eating in the workshop. Sanitation of the oral cavity and upper respiratory tract. After work - inhalation of 1-2% sodium bicarbonate solution. Preventive nutrition; calcium-rich dairy products. Juices, fresh vegetables, fruits, watermelons, melons, grapes.

Persons under 18 years of age are not allowed to produce superphosphates.

What is fluoride salt poisoning?

Fluoride salts used as insecticides. In the form of gases, fluorine and hydrogen fluoride are used in industry; the latter has a strong corrosive effect.

What causes fluoride salt poisoning?

Fluorine and its salts are cellular poisons that inhibit a number of enzymatic reactions, in particular the glycolytic degradation of glucose. Fluoride salts also form insoluble precipitates with calcium and cause hypocalcemia. In conclusion, it should be said that “in an acidic environment, fluoride salts form corrosive hydrofluoric acid. Ingestion of 1-2 g of sodium fluoride can lead to the death of the victim.

Symptoms of fluoride salt poisoning

Inhalation of fluoride or hydrogen fluoride causes coughing and asphyxia. After asymptomatic period lasting 12 days, fever, cough, cyanosis appear, and pulmonary edema develops. Ingestion of fluoride salts causes nausea, vomiting of tissue breakdown products, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Due to a decrease in the concentration of calcium in the blood serum, victims develop muscle hyperirritability, twitching, tremors, spasms and convulsions. Death occurs as a result of respiratory paralysis or vascular collapse. If the patient is worried acute period, then he may develop jaundice and oliguria. Chronic fluoride poisoning (fluorosis) is characterized by weight loss, weakness, anemia, brittle bones and stiff joints. Exposure to fluoride during the formation of tooth enamel leads to spotty lesions of the teeth.

Treatment of Poisoning with Fluoride Salts

In case of acute fluoride poisoning, the patient should immediately drink milk, lemon water, calcium lactate solution or calcium gluconate to precipitate calcium fluoride. After gastric lavage or vomiting and administration of activated charcoal, the patient can be reintroduced to calcium (for example, 10 g of calcium gluconate), followed by an osmotic laxative. Then it is necessary to slowly inject intravenously a 10% solution of calcium gluconate or a 1% solution of calcium chloride. The administration of these drugs is repeated as necessary for prevention. positive symptom Khvostek. Symptomatic and supportive therapy is carried out according to indications.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde in the form of a 40% aqueous solution (formalin) is used as disinfectant, fumigant or deodorant. Formaldehyde poisoning can be diagnosed by the characteristic odor of formaldehyde. The latter enters into chemical reactions with individual components cells, inhibits cellular functions and causes cell death. The lethal dose of formalin is about 60 ml.

After ingesting formaldehyde, the patient immediately develops severe pain in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, then collapse, coma, severe metabolic acidosis and anuria. Death occurs as a result of circulatory failure. Since formaldehyde can be inactivated by any organic material, the affected person should be treated immediately until it can be administered Activated carbon, should be fed. Formaldehyde has a corrosive effect and therefore it is not recommended to induce vomiting in the patient and rinse the stomach. To combat acidosis, parenteral administration of sodium biocarbonane is indicated. In all other aspects, treatment is supportive.

Which doctors should you contact if you have fluoride salt poisoning?

• Traumatologist
• Toxicologist

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Fluorine is an element that occupies the top nonmetal pole in the periodic table and also heads the halogen group. Elemental fluorine is a clear, yellowish gas that smells like a mixture of chlorine and ozone. At t = -188°C it condenses into an ultra-yellow canary-colored liquid, and with a further decrease in temperature it crystallizes, gradually becoming discolored.

Fluoride vapors and its compounds are very toxic, so working with them requires great care and thoughtful protection. In addition, the substance is extremely aggressive and reacts with almost all elements of the periodic table, and with some the process is so active that it leads to fire or even explosion. Only argon, helium and neon are beyond his control.

Where is fluoride found? In nature, it is found in water, as part of minerals (the main ones are: cryolite, fluorite and fluorapatite), and is also one of the important trace elements that make up plants and animal tissues. In a gaseous state, it is released from active volcanoes in the form of its combination with hydrogen.

The importance of fluoride for the human body

Undoubtedly, the role of fluoride in the human body is enormous. It is this microelement:

Since the substance is easily absorbed from drinking water, and the lack of fluoride in it causes significant consequences for the “dental health” of the population, many countries resort to artificial fluoridation.

Fluoride in food

Even though this chemical element Easily absorbed from drinking water, products containing fluoride are also an important source of its intake. But compared to other microelements, fluorine is not so simple:

1. The quantitative intake of fluoride depends on the following variables:
   • concentration in water;
   • total volume of liquid consumed - clean water, drinks, soups;
   • food assortment;
   • the specific fluorine content in products, depending on its natural content in soils and waters, as well as the use of fluorine-containing fertilizers.
2. The daily intake of water and products with fluoride, subject to energy costs of 3000 kcal and the total amount of liquid intake of about 3 liters, is covered by:
   • due to the oxidation of foods and salt intake - by 15%;
   • due to the water contained in the products themselves - by 35%;
   • obtained from liquids (water, drinks, first courses) - by 50%.

It is important to note here that overuse milk and liquid fermented milk products, juicy fruits and vegetables, reduces the amount of drinks and water you drink, and therefore can cause fluoride deficiency in the body.

1. Although not significantly, the intake and absorption of fluoride is influenced by the cooking technology, as well as the quantitative use of seasonings and food additives. For example, as a result of prolonged boiling, its concentration increases or decreases:
   • raw carrots – 0.22 mg/kg, boiled in water containing F=1 mg/l – 0.85 mg/l, cooked in water (F=3.9 mg/l) – 3.5 mg/l;
   • fish bone broth contains up to 4.8 mg/l, and beef bone broth contains only 0.11 mg/l of fluoride;
   • at 11-14 years table salt contains 0.1-0.17 mg F, in baking soda– up to 32 mg/kg, and in baking ammonium phosphate – up to 210 mg/kg.

So which products contain fluorine in significant quantities initially, where there is a lot of it, despite the above factors?

Here is a list of which products contain fluoride (in mg/kg):

• tea leaf 100-1900
• krill 40-50
• seaweed 7-15
• canned sea fish 3-15
• parsley 6-10
• sea ​​fish meat 0.5-5.0
• canned food from seaweed 2,9-3,5
• vegetables and melons 1.5-3.5
• salads and cabbage 1
• flour and cereals 0.2-0.73
• bread 0.3-0.5
• fruits up to 0.4
• meat river fish up to 0.4
• milk up to 0.2
• eggs up to 0.2
• meat and meat products 0.1-0.5

Attention! There is evidence that fluorine is contained in marine products in the form of very stable compounds, so despite its greatest content after tea, it is absorbed poorly and with great difficulty.

On a note. From different plants and fruits, fluorine migrates into water in different ways when infused: from tea up to 90%, from mint up to 35%, from rose hips up to 25%, even from chamomile flowers - 6-7%.

The daily intake of fluoride from foods depends not only on age and gender, but also on the place of residence, and is calculated for each specific region separately. Therefore, you should not look for numbers on the Internet; you should contact your local physician, district or regional endocrinologist, or immunologist.

So what are the benefits and harms of fluorine as a bioelement that is part of the human body?

• The main consequences of the shortage are caries and periodontal disease;
• Its excess causes acute pathology– spotted enamel (dental fluorosis), which occurs if the intake of the substance exceeds 0.1-0.15 mg per 1 kg of body weight per day.
• Normal amount of fluoride in daily ration helps not only the development or maintenance of normal bones, teeth and hair, but also maintains work immune system at the proper level.

Fluoride poisoning

But, it’s one thing to “eat and drink” fluoride, but working with its compounds in production or using them in everyday life is almost always increased danger for life and health. Let us list the compounds that pose the greatest danger, their areas of application, and why fluorine in their composition is harmful.

Hydrofluoric acid

This is a toxic, colorless liquid classified as hazard class II. It has a pronounced general toxic toxic effect even when inhaling vapors. May cause cell mutations. Used in the production of aluminum, glass, semiconductors, plastics, oils, fluorides, acids and processing of stainless steel and other alloys.

Sodium fluoride

white powder, highly soluble in water. Classified as toxic if ingested or if dust is inhaled. High doses cause severe pain in the legs, stomach ulcers, and affect the cardiovascular system. The lethal dose for a person weighing 70-75 kg is from 5 to 10 g. Sodium fluoride is used:

• during the synthesis of freon;
• when welding and soldering metals;
• in the production of glass, ceramics and refractories;
• in the metallurgical industry;
• as a component of fire retardants and fire extinguishing agents;
• V Food Industry– as a fermentation inhibitor;
• detergent component;
• as an additive to toothpastes;
• fluoridation of drinking water;
• for the production of tablets for the prevention of caries and osteoporosis.

Sodium silicofluoride

Fine-crystalline white powder belonging to class II protoplasmic poisons. Dangerous toxic effects on the gastrointestinal tract, skin and Airways. At severe poisoning The nervous system is affected and pulmonary edema is possible, and in chronic cases, bronchial asthma occurs.

It is used for chlorination and fluoridation of water, in the production of preservatives for leather and wood, as a concrete hardener, as an intestinal insecticide against rodents, insects and cockroaches, as well as a special agent for harvesting and processing cotton.

Hydrogen fluoride

Colorless gas with pungent odor, transported and stored in a liquefied state. In nature, it is released from the craters of volcanoes.

One of the most toxic substances of class I hazard. Calls general poisoning the body, and also affects the skin and all external and internal mucous membranes.

Hydrogen fluoride is the main non-aqueous solvent and catalyst for most chemical reactions. It is the basis of freon. It is used in the aviation, nuclear, paper, distillery, metallurgical, oil, food, brewing, glass and chemical industries.

Causes and symptoms of fluoride damage

The main causes of fluoride poisoning are violations of safety regulations at work, being in the zone of a natural disaster - a volcanic eruption, man-made accidents, overdose of prescribed medical supplies that contain sodium fluoride. Poisoning can occur in acute and chronic forms.

To the symptoms acute poisoning fluorine include:

• irritation and difficult-to-heal erosions of the mucous surfaces of the eyes, nose, mouth and upper respiratory tract;
• loss of voice sonority - a person can only speak in a whisper;
• nosebleeds;
• toxic bronchitis and pneumonia;
• acute heart failure;
• in the clinic laboratory tests– increased hemoglobin and red blood cells, decreased ESR, pronounced degree of leukopenia against the background of relative lymphocytosis;
• when swallowed, the following manifestations are typical: bloody vomiting and diarrhea, hemorrhages under the skin, severe pain in the abdomen, convulsions, paresis, suffocation, kidney damage.

TO possible consequences acute fluoride poisoning include: the development of toxic hepatitis, nephropathy, pneumosclerosis, dystrophic changes hearts.

Signs of chronic fluoride damage are:

If poisoning occurs due to contact with hydrofluoric acid, then vesicular dermatitis and difficult-to-heal ulcers with extensive necrosis will be typical. Damage from hydrogen fluoride vapor is characterized by itching and irritation of the skin, and the appearance of blisters. At the same time, the face swells greatly, the eyelids, nasolabial folds and corners of the mouth soften.

The most typical and common symptom of damage from hydrofluoric acid and artificial cryolite is bone fluorosis. Its symptoms:

• stiffness and poor mobility of the spine and large joints;
• “rheumatic” pain on the crests of the pelvis, in the forearms, shoulders and legs;
• systemic changes in the spine, pelvic bones, ribs, shoulder blades;
• the body of long tubular bones is affected;
• Calcification of the musculoskeletal system occurs.

Bone fluorosis goes through stage III of development:

1. Initial coarsening of bone tissue and thickening of flat bone beams, and periostosis of long cylindrical bones.
2. Massive bone sclerosis and primary calcification of the attachment points of ligaments and tendons.
3. Complete fossilization of the osseous and ligamentous apparatus of the spine, pelvis, shoulder blades and long tubular bones.

Treatment for fluoride poisoning

How to remove fluoride from the body? For acute poisoning, the following are indicated:

• regular daily walks on fresh air with the implementation of exercise therapy complexes (light loads);
• warm-moist inhalations with soda solution;
• taking medications with calcium, codeine, diphenhydramine;
• expectorants;
• in severe cases - intravenous injections of calcium chloride, antibiotics, oxygen cocktails, complete rest and hospitalization.

For skin burns with hydrofluoric acid, after washing with water and 10% ammonia solution, treat with magnesium ointment (morning and evening). For burns from sodium silicofluoride, use lead or boron lotions.

Treatment of chronic poisoning is symptomatic.

Excess fluoride in the body must be corrected and therapeutic diet, consisting of products that do not contain it: dairy and meat dishes, fresh fruits and juices. Fluoride can be removed well by taking large quantity fresh watermelons. Under the strictest prohibition- any kind of tea.

Fluorine under normal conditions is a pale yellow gas with a strong characteristic odor and belongs to the group of halogens. Fluorine is widely distributed in nature and is part of many minerals: fluorspar, apatite, cryolite, etc. Fluorine is found in spring water and is also a permanent component of plants and animals. Fluorine is a trace element that is necessary for the animal body, taking part in mineral metabolism, promoting ossification of bone tissue. Some fluorine compounds are used in agriculture and wood processing industry.

Of the fluoride compounds, sodium fluoride is of interest, which is part of many insectofungicides used in agriculture. For example, sodium fluoride and silicon fluoride are used to combat locusts (poisoned baits), to spray plants (in a 0.5% solution), etc. Calcium fluoride, used to control garden pests in its pure form or as soil fertilizers, contains fluorides, which often cause poisoning of livestock on pastures.

If these chemicals are handled carelessly, animal feed poisoning can occur.

Brief characteristics of fluoride preparations used in agriculture

Sodium fluoride– off-white or grayish powder, odorless, poorly soluble in cold water, easily cakes during storage. Widely used to exterminate gnawing insects in the caterpillar stage and rodents, and for preserving wood. Toxic doses for cattle and horses range from 10 g and above, death of animals occurs from amounts above 50 g.

Sodium silicofluoride- a fine, relatively heavy powder, white or slightly yellowish in color, odorless, poorly soluble in water. It is used for pollinating plants, mainly against pests of garden crops, some types of insects and rodents. Both drugs are used in animal husbandry as anthelmintics. For medicinal purposes, only purified drug can be used. When used as an anthelmintic for equine parascariasis, poisoning occurs only at doses above 50 g per dose.

Barium fluoroacetate– white fine crystalline powder, odorless and tasteless, highly soluble in water. An effective zoocide, used to exterminate gophers and other rodents.

Uralite- a drug complex composition, containing 77% sodium fluoride, 15% dinitrophen and 8% infusorial earth. Used in the form of a paste or solution having yellow, for preserving wood and preventing its rotting.

Calcium fluoride, dimelin- which are insecticides.

Superphosphates– fertilizers containing fluorine.

Phosphorite flour- refers to fertilizing.

Animal owners have long noticed that animals willingly lick wood or eat vegetation contaminated with fluoride compounds. The lack of mineral nutrition further contributes to the fact that animals especially greedily pounce on scattered powders that look like table salt.

Chronic poisoning of animals (fluorosis) often occurs in endemic areas where there are high contents fluoride in soil, water and plants. In Russia, such zones are located on the territory of the Kola Peninsula, in the Urals.

Pathogenesis. Fluorine compounds are protoplasmic poisons for the body, which primarily inhibit respiratory enzymes (reducing oxygen consumption by tissues and the formation of lactic acid in muscles), inhibit gastrointestinal enzymes (phosphatosis, enterokinase), disrupting the activity of gastrointestinal tract, some enzymes of the glycolytic system and acetylcholinesterase.

In animals, fluorine in the blood binds calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and proteins. All this leads to serious changes in mineral metabolism, in the activity of the autonomic and central nervous systems.

Fluorides reduce blood clotting; in the body of animals they predominantly act on bone tissue; chronic intoxication is characterized by damage to bone tissue; young growing animals are most sensitive to fluorides; Animal resistance to fluoride increases if the diet increases the content of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D; fluoride is excreted from the body of animals through milk and feces.

Clinical picture . Poisoning with fluorine and its compounds in animals can occur in acute, subacute and chronic forms. Chronic form poisoning is usually called “fluorosis” and it is a consequence of the intake of fluoride into the animal’s body over a long period of time with food or water, which is many times higher than normal content this element. Acute poisonings in animals are recorded when sodium fluoride and sodium fluoride are used as anthelmintics for various helminthiasis in animals and when these compounds accidentally enter food and water.

Cattle. In acute poisoning with sodium fluoride, the animal develops sudden general weakness. Cows experience drooling, thirst, colic may occur, palpation in the area of ​​the abomasum is painful, diarrhea (feces contain blood), symptoms include grinding of teeth, throwing the head back chest, convulsive muscle contractions and congestion in the lungs with impaired respiratory and cardiac activity. Breathing is usually rapid, pulse is weak and accelerated, body temperature is normal or slightly elevated. With prolonged flow, the temperature can drop to 36°. During a clinical examination, the veterinarian notes swelling of the rumen, complete cessation of milk production and lack of appetite. In some poisoned animals, examination may reveal congestion and swelling of the oral mucosa, clouding of the cornea and dilation of the pupil. Diuresis in poisoned animals is increased, and fluoride is detected in the urine 2-3 days after poisoning. The urine is thicker and darker in color than usual. The death of a poisoned animal occurs either within the first day, or in less severe cases - on the 2-3rd day.

Subacute poisoning occurs in animals with symptoms of damage nervous system and is accompanied by symptoms of polyneuritopathy.

In case of chronic fluoride poisoning in animals, we register emaciation, dryness and loss of elasticity of the skin, brittle hair, diarrhea, spotting of tooth enamel, increased fragility of bones, ankylosis and exostosis of the joints, accompanied by lameness in animals.

Small cattle. In case of acute intoxication in sheep, during a clinical examination, a veterinarian diagnoses the same clinical symptoms, as in cattle: anxiety, which later turns into a state of depression, increased breathing, pain on palpation of the abdominal area, salivation, bloody discharge from the nostrils, involuntary defecation and urination. Death occurs within the first 24 hours.

In case of a chronic course with a favorable outcome in poisoned animals, we diagnose fluorosis, dental damage, decreased skin elasticity, anemia, general weakness, poor appetite, progressive emaciation, symptoms of osteoporosis, etc. During a clinical examination, we note bone deformation, thickening of joints, mottling of teeth enamel, and tooth decay.

In goats with acute poisoning, animal owners observe depression with complete absence any reaction to the environment, refusal of food and water, a sharp decrease in milk yield, and in severe conditions - a complete cessation of milk secretion, fibrillary trembling of the muscles, including convulsive contraction of the masticatory muscles - “chomping”, frequent bowel movements in small portions and the urge to urinate with discharge small amounts of clear urine. Body temperature is normal.

Pigs. In case of poisoning, pigs experience general agitation and atony. skeletal muscles, drooling, repeated vomiting, diarrhea (stool contains blood), impaired coordination of movements, difficulty breathing, asphyxia. With chronic poisoning in pigs, exhaustion, slow growth, and symptoms in young animals and adults are observed.

Horses. In case of poisoning in weak degree The condition of the animals is depressed, there is no appetite, but there is strong thirst. The animal's movements are difficult. There is frequent defecation of liquid feces, pronounced fibrillary muscle tremors(croup muscles, etc.).

Upon examination, the mucous membranes are colored (uralite) yellow or black. Breathing is rapid and shallow. Pulse increased. The temperature is often normal or low-grade.

In case of severe or fatal poisoning in a horse, we note general anxiety and agitation of the animal. Colic is often observed. Visible mucous membranes are congestively hyperemic, swollen, painful during defecation. Pulse increased to 80-100 beats per minute, breathing increased to 40-60 per minute. Urine is dark in color and thick in consistency; cramps of various parts of the muscles (trismus). Death occurs quickly (within a few hours) with symptoms of cardiac and respiratory paralysis. Body temperature is within normal limits.

Dogs and cats. Poisoning with fluoride compounds in domestic animals is accidental; acute poisoning occurs with symptoms of severe vomiting, diarrhea and severe depression.

Birds. The clinical picture of poisoning in birds occurs with symptoms of agitation, the discharge of foamy liquid from the beak, vomiting, diarrhea, gray-white feces, the bird’s combs are pale, the feathers are dull, tousled, brittle, fall out on the back, egg production in chickens decreases, the egg decreases in size size, the shell is thinned, fragile, or completely absent; phenomena of paralysis and significant mortality.

Pathological changes. Pathological changes in fluoride intoxication depend on the form of poisoning. At acute form When autopsying dead animals, we note well-defined rigor mortis; in the abdominal cavity we find a yellowish-turbid exudate, mucous membrane of the abomasum and thin section the intestines are hemorrhagically inflamed, necrotic in places, we find hemorrhagic foci in the large intestine, the liver is fragile (in horses it is enlarged) The heart is flabby, the blood is liquid, hemolyzed, dark in color; in pigs we find swelling of the fundus of the stomach, hemorrhage of the mucous membrane, ulceration of the stomach, and sometimes intussusception of the small intestine is observed; in birds we find detachment of the mucous membrane gizzard, intestinal inflammation.

In chronic fluoride poisoning, pathological changes are very characteristic. The animal's teeth are destroyed, their abrasion is increased, and they are brown in color. The bones have an unusual White color with the presence of exostasis in the joints, bone deformation. When conducting a histological examination, a picture of osteoporosis is revealed, as in osteomalacia. The liver is in a state of fatty degeneration. Changes characteristic of chronic parenchymal nephritis are found in the kidneys. The heart muscle, like all muscles, is flabby and paler in color. A significant amount of hemorrhage is found under the serous membranes. In the gastrointestinal tract intestinal tract signs chronic inflammation. The lymph nodes enlarged, especially mesenteric.

Diagnosis diagnosed on the basis of medical history and chemical-toxicological examination of feed, water and pathological material. In cases of chronic intoxication, the diagnosis of fluorosis is facilitated by characteristic destructive changes in the teeth.

Differential diagnosis. When conducting differential diagnosis a veterinary specialist differentiates poisoning from diseases of the central nervous system, hypomagnesium tetany in sheep and cattle, acute lead poisoning, and in birds.

Treatment. A specific chemical antidote for fluoride poisoning is calcium chloride. On this basis, as a specific remedy, poisoned animals are injected intravenously with a 20% solution of calcium chloride and the stomach is washed with lime water or a 1-2% solution of sodium bicarbonate. Also, magnesium sulfate is used as an antidote for poisoning with fluoride compounds in the following doses: large cattle– up to 800g, for small cattle – up to 100g per intake through a tube. You can administer calcium chloride intravenously (200-300 ml of a 10% solution, and orally magnesium sulfate, reducing its dose by 3-4 times. During treatment, you can use calcigluc or calcium borogluconate. Poisoned animals are prescribed astringents, enveloping agents, analgesics, antispasmodics, antimicrobials. Apply vitamin preparations(vitamin A, D, C, B and K).

Control and prevention measures. Prevention of poisoning with drugs containing fluorine is based primarily on checking mineral supplements for the presence of fluorine in them. Many mineral fertilizers (superphosphate, etc.) contain a significant amount of fluorine and are often the cause of mass poisoning of animals and poultry. When prescribing mineral fertilizers, specialists at agricultural enterprises must make sure that the “defluorinated” phosphate produced by the industry for feeding animals corresponds to its intended purpose.

There is a certain preventive value in preventing animals from coming into contact with fluorine compounds used in industry.

When organizing the prevention of fluoride poisoning, it is also important to take into account that fluoride compounds are used as pesticides in the fight against locust pests, and some fluoride preparations are used as anthelmintics. In both the first and second cases, if the rules for handling fluoride compounds are violated, cases of acute poisoning are possible.

Of particular danger is chronic intoxication of animals (fluorosis), which is a consequence of the increased fluoride content in feed and drinking water. It must be kept in mind that drinking water should not contain more than 1 mg of fluoride per liter. If the content of sodium fluoride in poultry feed is permissible up to 300-400 mg/kg, then in relation to cattle it is ten times less - 30-40 mg/kg. To prevent chronic poisoning, a mixture consisting of feed chalk, ammonium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, potassium iodide and vitamin C is used. This mixture is introduced into the feed and given once a day to calves 5.0-12.0; adult animals 30.0-60.0.