sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site

Warning-sign checks

Furniture polish 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 now if there is:

    • Trouble breathing, severe wheezing, or gasping
    • Blue or grey lips, skin, or nails
    • Collapse, a seizure, or loss of consciousness
    • Severe confusion or difficulty waking
    • Repeated choking or coughing after swallowing
    • Vomiting together with drowsiness or breathing problems

    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

    Contact a poison centre promptly after furniture polish is swallowed, even if there are no symptoms.

    Also seek advice after significant inhalation, eye exposure that remains painful after rinsing, or prolonged skin contact.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is appropriate after the immediate poisoning risk has been assessed if cough, fever, chest discomfort, eye symptoms, dizziness, or reduced stamina continues.

    Follow any discharge instructions about activity, symptom monitoring, or reassessment.

The article also says

Move away from fumes if it is safe, but do not enter an enclosed or contaminated area to rescue someone without appropriate protection.

Do not give anything by mouth to an unconscious or severely drowsy person.

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