Chemical Poisoning

Common sources of chemical poisoning include:

• Household cleaners.
• Medicines.
• Laundry detergent.
• Drain cleaners.
• Varnishes.
• Agricultural products.
• Plants.
• Industrial chemicals.

Mixing chemicals can also result in a chemical poisoning. Identifying the type of poison involved is important to effectively treat the person.

Different chemicals will cause different symptoms. Common symptoms can include:

• Severe throat pain.
• Trouble breathing.
• Burns on the lips or mouth.
• Sudden behavior changes, such as abnormal sleepiness, irritability, or jumpiness.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Stomach cramps with no fever.
• Abnormal drooling or odd odor on the breath.
• Convulsions or lose consciousness (severe cases only).

If a person has swallowed a toxic substance and they are alert, call Poison Control right away at 1-800-222-1222. This number will connect you to a local poison center that is free, confidential, and available 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

If a person is not breathing, is unconscious, or is having convulsions or seizures because of poisoning, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.

Don't give a person who has been poisoned ipecac. This is a chemical used to cause vomiting (emetic). It's made from the dried root of a plant grown in Brazil called ipecacuanha. Ipecac was commonly used in the past. Guidelines now say not to use it because it can cause more harm than good.