A specific class of chemicals, called blood agents, are of great concern to first responders. They are highly toxic to the human body because they:

A specific class of chemicals, called blood agents, are of great concern to first responders. They are highly toxic to the human body because they:

• A. Are chemical asphyxiants because they interfere with oxygen utilization
• B. Are strong acids that burn tissues
• C. Are inert and non-toxic
• D. Are only harmful if ingested

Answer: (A)

Blood agents are chemical asphyxiants. They disrupt cellular respiration by inhibiting enzymes in the mitochondria (such as cytochrome oxidase), so cells can’t use oxygen even when it’s present in the blood. That rapid blockade of oxygen utilization causes quick, global hypoxia and severe toxicity. They aren’t acids that burn tissue, they aren’t inert, and exposure isn’t limited to ingestion—inhalation is a primary route.

Blood agents are chemical asphyxiants. They disrupt cellular respiration by inhibiting enzymes in the mitochondria (such as cytochrome oxidase), so cells can’t use oxygen even when it’s present in the blood. That rapid blockade of oxygen utilization causes quick, global hypoxia and severe toxicity. They aren’t acids that burn tissue, they aren’t inert, and exposure isn’t limited to ingestion—inhalation is a primary route.