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Warning-sign checks

Household glue 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 someone:

    • Has trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, or severe choking
    • Collapses, has a seizure, or cannot be awakened
    • Has severe confusion, chest pain, or an irregular heartbeat
    • Has a serious burn or rapidly worsening swelling
    • Is trapped in a space with concentrated fumes

    Do not enter a contaminated enclosed space to rescue someone unless emergency responders say it is safe.

    Repeated glue inhalation also deserves medical support, even if there is no immediate emergency.

    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 swallowing solvent-based, construction, model, or unknown glue.

    Also seek prompt advice after intentional inhalation, more than a small accidental taste, any eye exposure, or exposure involving a young child.

    In the United States, Poison Help is available at 1-800-222-1222.

    Elsewhere, use your local poison information service.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine medical follow-up for a cough, dizziness, headaches, skin injury, or eye discomfort that does not settle as expected.

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