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Warning-sign checks

Face powder 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

    Call emergency services immediately if the exposed person:

    • Is struggling to breathe, gasping, or unable to speak normally
    • Has blue, grey, or unusually pale lips or skin
    • Collapses, has a seizure, or cannot be woken normally
    • Has severe choking or stops breathing

    Do not delay emergency help while trying home treatments.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • 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 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

    Contact a poison centre promptly after substantial inhalation, when the amount or ingredients are unknown, or when a baby or young child was exposed.

    Seek urgent medical assessment for persistent coughing, wheezing, rapid breathing, chest pain, repeated vomiting, unusual sleepiness, or any worsening symptom.

    Seek urgent assessment if pain, redness, light sensitivity, or blurred vision remains.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine follow-up for improving symptoms that have not cleared, such as a lingering cough or reduced exercise tolerance.

    Bring the product information if available.

The article also says

Move the person away from airborne powder if it is safe.

After eye exposure, rinse thoroughly.

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