ABSTRACT
Nonirritating, colorless, and odorless gases with no pharmacologic or physiologic (except: CO2 > N2) activities. All are easily compressible and expand logarithmically on rapid depressurization. Produce hypoxic tissue damage, mainly to the brain and myocardium, by displacing alveolar O2. Treatment includes evacuation, supplemental O2, ventilatory assistance, and support. Hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) is not indicated unless there is co-exposure to CO or H2S.
