The dangers of argon, an inert industrial gas: Beware of asphyxiation

doi:N/A

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Netharland Journal of Critical Care

2019, Volume 27, Issue 4 : 165-168

Article

The dangers of argon, an inert industrial gas: Beware of asphyxiation

Peelen R.V.

Ramakers B.P.

Koopmans A.

Abstract

We describe the case of an industrial welder who died due to hypoxaemic hypoxia as a result of argon inhalation. Extensive resuscitation attempts could not prevent fatal organ damage, probably due to prolonged hypoxaemic hypoxia. Work-related accidents with industrial gases are rare. Nonetheless we feel that it is important to create awareness for this potentially lifethreatening danger. Especially the combination of characteristics of the gases (colourless, tasteless and odourless), and the absence of alarming symptoms make it an easy to miss cause of a cardiac arrest. We describe the case in detail and discuss the danger of inert gases, especially argon, and their properties. © 2019, Netherlands Society of Intensive Care. All rights reserved.

Keywords

Argon

Asphyxiation

Hypoxemia

Hypoxia

Industrial accidents

Inert gases

Resuscitation

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