Acute (short-term) inhalation exposure to high levels of 1, 4-dioxane has caused vertigo, drowsiness, headache, anorexia and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs in humans.

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In fact, in many cases, the degree of exposure to toxic chemicals in tap water by inhalation is comparable to the exposure that would result from drinking the stuff.

ECONOMIST: Indoor pollution

Symptoms from inhalation may be seen as early as 4-6 hrs after exposure, and can include coughing associated with difficulty breathing.

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Elderly people may succumb more readily to inhalation anthrax than younger people, so that if others were in the vicinity of this exposure, and were young, they may not have come down with any problem.

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