What signs and symptoms would a child likely display after being exposed to the environment in a clandestine laboratory?
There is no single, well-defined expected presentation for a child with a history of potential chemical exposure in a methamphetamine laboratory. Recent exposure to methamphetamine itself will likely cause a picture of sympathetic excess (tachycardia, hypertension, hyperthermia, and irritability/agitation). A child with a more distant serious exposure to methamphetamine may present with CNS depression, neurological deficit or coma due to catecholamine depletion. It is important, however, not to focus only on the toxicity of the finished drug product. In point of fact, there are an untold number of potentially harmful chemicals with which a child could come in contact in a clandestine laboratory. The most common complaints are irritation of the eyes, skin, mucous membranes, gastrointestinal (nausea and vomiting), and headache. Evidence of irritation such as caustic burns, redness, swelling, etc. may or may not be apparent. Respiratory compromise, ranging from wheezing due to irritation
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