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Warning-sign checks

Paint, lacquer, and varnish 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 someone has:

    • Trouble breathing, severe chest pain, or blue or gray lips
    • Collapsed, had a seizure, or cannot be awakened
    • Severe confusion, loss of coordination, or worsening drowsiness
    • Swallowed remover intentionally or swallowed a substantial amount
    • Been overcome by fumes in an enclosed space

    Elsewhere, use your local poison information service or emergency number.

    Have the product label nearby if possible.

    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 after any swallowing, significant fume exposure, or chemical splash to the eyes.

    Also call for persistent symptoms after skin contact.

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

    After initial treatment, arrange prompt follow-up for continuing cough, shortness of breath, swallowing difficulty, skin wounds, eye pain, blurred vision, headaches, memory problems, or unusual fatigue.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has abdominal pain that is severe, constant, or getting worse
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up may also be advised after a serious exposure even if you feel well.

The article also says

Do not enter an enclosed contaminated area yourself.

Wait for trained rescuers.

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