What type of poisoning is associated with ethylene glycol?

Ethylene glycol, commonly found in antifreeze and industrial solvents, is metabolized in the body to produce toxic compounds, particularly glycolic acid and oxalic acid. The production of oxalic acid is particularly significant because it can bind with calcium in the body to form calcium oxalate crystals, which may lead to acute kidney injury and other complications.

This metabolic pathway is the reason why oxalic acid poisoning is directly associated with ethylene glycol exposure. The presence of oxalic acid, along with the other metabolites, contributes to the clinical picture of ethylene glycol poisoning, including symptoms like metabolic acidosis, renal failure, and neurological dysfunction. Understanding the metabolic byproducts of ethylene glycol and their toxic effects is crucial for diagnosing and managing cases of poisoning.