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Warning-sign checks

Ink remover 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 the exposed person:

    • Has trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, or severe wheezing
    • Collapses, has a seizure, cannot be awakened, or is very confused
    • Has severe chest or abdominal pain
    • Vomits blood or has signs of a major chemical burn
    • Cannot swallow, is drooling heavily, or has rapidly increasing throat swelling

    Elsewhere, contact the local poison information service or emergency medical service.

    Follow the discharge plan provided after emergency treatment.

    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 information service promptly after ink remover has been swallowed, even if there are no symptoms.

    Also seek prompt advice for an unknown product, a large or concentrated exposure, persistent coughing, significant skin burns, or any eye exposure that remains painful after rinsing.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is appropriate after the immediate danger has passed if there is a continuing cough, painful swallowing, reduced appetite, skin damage, or a change in vision.

The article also says

Do not enter an area with strong fumes unless trained and properly protected.

In the United States, Poison Control can be reached at 1-800-222-1222.

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