The Thomas A. Swift Electric Rifle was invented in 1974 as a weapon used by law enforcement to paralyze and incapacitate combative individuals. It uses compressed nitrogen to fire two electrode darts connected by conductive wires. After piercing the skin, the darts release an electric shock with a peak voltage of 1200 V. The Taser is generally considered safe as the voltage is delivered at a low current. The most common injury results from penetrating damage to skin. There have been reports of deaths from Taser darts described as excited delirium on clinical presentation.
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Chemical weapon causing severe eye pain, respiratory irritation, skin irritation, bleeding, and eventually blindness. The mechanism is stimulation of the lacrimal gland’s nerves to produce tears. Common agents used include OC gas (pepper spray), PAVA spray (nonivamide), CS gas, CR gas, CN gas (phenacyl chloride), bromoacetone, xylyl bromide, syn-propanethial-S-oxide (onions), and Mace. Treatment involves distancing from the gas and irrigation with water or saline. Bathing with soap and water can help remove residual particle on the skin. Can uses anticholinergics/antihistamines to reduce tearing and rhinorrhea that is caused by the irritation to the nose and eyes. Image courtesy of Mostafa Sheshtawy. https://www.flickr.com/photos/msheshtawy/.
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Theobromine poisoning (also known as chocolate poisoning) is an overdose to xanthine alkaloid theobromine which is usually found in chocolate, tea and cola beverages. The theobromine can competitively inhibit cellular adenosine receptors leading to CNS stimulation, tachycardia and diuresis. Generally, the toxic doses must be extremely high to affect humans, but poisoning can occur in much lower doses in animals such as dogs and rats. Clinical findings include initial increased thirst, vomiting and diarrhea followed by hyperactivity, ataxia and tremors. Image courtesy of Nimer Assi - https://www.instagram.com/nimer_photography/.
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Transition metals form brightly colored salts used in fireworks. The ionic form of these metals have an important role in redox reactions, utilized by organisms in different homeostatic roles.
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