Emergency Department Management
• Patients exposed only to vinyl chloride gas pose no risk of secondary contamination to rescuers. Patients whose skin or clothing is contaminated with liquid vinyl chloride can contaminate rescuers by direct contact or through off-gassing of vapor.
• The primary target of vinyl chloride acute exposure is the CNS. Signs and symptoms include dizziness, ataxia, inebriation, fatigue, numbness and tingling of the extremities, visual disturbances, coma, and death.
• Vinyl chloride also can irritate the eyes, mucous membranes, and respiratory tract. Escaping compressed gas or liquid can cause frostbite or irritation of the skin and eyes.
• There is no antidote for vinyl chloride. Treatment consists of support of respiratory and cardiovascular functions.