CLINICAL AND TOXICOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ETHYLENE AND DIETHYLENE GLYCOL POISONINGS

This article is a comprehensive study of the toxicological properties and clinical manifestations of poisoning with ethylene glycol (EG) and diethylene glycol (DEG), industrially valuable but extremely dangerous polyatomic alcohols for humans. The work provides a detailed analysis of the physico-chemical characteristics of these compounds, including temperature parameters, solubility and other properties that determine both their industrial use and high toxicological hazard. Special attention is paid to the mechanisms of toxic action of ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol. The processes of metabolism of these substances in the human body are examined in detail, highlighting the formation of highly toxic metabolites (glycolic, glyoxylic, oxalic and 2-hydroxyethoxyacetic acids), which trigger a cascade of pathological reactions. The article describes in detail the three-stage clinical picture of intoxication, including the main symptoms characteristic of poisoning with ethylene glycol or diethylene glycol: metabolic acidosis, renal, liver failure and neurological disorders. The problem is becoming particularly relevant due to the widespread practice of using industrial liquids containing ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol as surrogate alcohol. The article emphasizes that the sweetish taste of these compounds and their relative availability create an extremely high risk of both accidental and intentional poisoning, especially among socially vulnerable segments of the population. It is pointed out that there is a need for an integrated approach to poisoning prevention, including increased control over the turnover of industrial liquids containing ethylene and diethylene glycol, active public awareness of the risks associated with the use of these substances, as well as strict compliance with safety measures when working with glycols.