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Warning-sign checks

Metal cleaner 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

    Elsewhere, use the local poison information service or emergency health line.

    Have the container or label available if possible.

    Call emergency services now if the person has:

    • Trouble breathing, severe wheezing, or blue or grey lips
    • Collapse, severe confusion, a seizure, or difficulty waking
    • Drooling or inability to swallow
    • Severe chest or abdominal pain
    • Repeated vomiting or blood in vomit
    • A widespread or deep chemical burn
    • Severe eye pain or sudden change in vision
    • Signs of an abnormal heartbeat, such as fainting or strong palpitations

    Routine follow-up is different from emergency care.

    Keep scheduled appointments for burn checks, blood tests, eye examinations, endoscopy, or lung assessment.

    Seek earlier review for a cough that is not improving, new hoarseness, worsening skin damage, reduced vision, or increasing difficulty swallowing.

    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 immediately if a metal cleaner has been swallowed, even if there are no symptoms.

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

The article also says

Do not enter an area filled with chemical fumes to help someone unless trained responders say it is safe.

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