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Warning-sign checks

Acid soldering flux poisoning: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Follow the discharge instructions from the emergency department, poison center, or toxicology team.

    People with a minor exposure and no symptoms may only need observation or a scheduled check-in.

    Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, blue or gray lips, collapse, confusion, a seizure, vomiting blood, sudden severe chest or abdominal pain, or inability to stay awake.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent medical care for new or worsening trouble swallowing, repeated vomiting, fever, increasing chest or abdominal pain, coughing after eating, reduced urination, or worsening breathing symptoms.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Those with burns, abnormal tests, breathing symptoms, or swallowing problems may need follow-up with gastroenterology, lung, eye, burn, surgery, or toxicology specialists.

    At routine follow-up, tell the clinician about pain with swallowing, food sticking, repeated vomiting, reduced appetite, weight loss, cough, or shortness of breath.

    These symptoms may point to healing problems that need assessment.

The article also says

To prevent another exposure, keep flux in its original labeled container.

Never store it in a food or drink container.

Follow the safety data sheet, use suitable local exhaust ventilation, and wear the recommended eye and skin protection.

Store chemicals securely away from children.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Acid soldering flux poisoning. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.