Toxicologic agents of concern for search-and-rescue dogs responding to urban disasters

1general toxicologic hazards for SAR dogs responding to urban disasters were discussed. The purpose of the present article is to raise awareness of some of the specific common substances that may be found at urban disaster sites and their potential for short- and long-term health effects. Hydrocarbons The term hydrocarbon refers to any compound consisting of carbon and hydrogen. The most common classes of hydrocarbons include petroleum distillates (eg, diesel fuel and exhaust, gasoline, naphtha [lighter fluid, varnish, and dry-cleaning products], Stoddard solvents [dry-cleaning solvents, general cleaners and degreasers, paint thinners, photocopier toners, printing inks, and adhesives], mineral spirits, mineral seal oil [furniture polish], kerosene, jet fuel, fuel oil, lubricating oils, petroleum jelly, paraffin wax, and asphalt), aliphatic hydrocarbons (1,3-butadiene, butane, ethane, hexane, methane, and propane), aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, and xylene), terpenes (turpentine and pine oil), chlorinated hydrocarbons (carbon tetrachloride, chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides, chloroform, methyl chloride, methylene chloride, tetrachloroethylene, trichloroethane, vinyl chloride, and trichloroethylene), and others (automatic transmission fluid, coal pitch, cutting fluids, dielectric fluids, liquefied hydrocarbon gas, naphthalene, machining fluids, pressurized paints, thermoplastic road paint, and waste oils). 2