ABSTRACT
Ethylene glycol is a synthetic chemical that is the primary ingredient in most automotive antifreeze/coolant products and aircraft deicing fluids. Antifreeze products are easily accessible and, because ethylene glycol has a sweet taste, they can be surreptitiously added to sports drinks, alcoholic cocktails, and other beverages and foods. Antifreeze is the most common source of ethylene glycol. It is found in some air-conditioning coolants and various other automotive products. The sweet taste of ethylene glycol clearly plays a role in its involvement in both intentional and unintentional poisoning. Symptoms of ethylene glycol poisoning can start as early as 30 min following ingestion and resemble those seen with ethanol intoxication. Chronic ethylene glycol poisoning in nonlethal amounts is difficult to diagnose because metabolic abnormalities can be minimal or absent, and symptoms can be mild and resolved with supportive care. Victims of chronic intentional ethylene glycol poisoning can have repeated contact with physicians as well as hospitalizations without detection of the poisoning.
