sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Rubber cement 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 exposed to rubber cement:

    • Has trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, or severe choking
    • Collapses, cannot be awakened, or has a seizure
    • Has severe confusion, agitation, or loss of coordination
    • Develops chest pain, a racing or irregular heartbeat, or faints
    • Is in an enclosed area filled with fumes

    Emergency responders can manage the rescue without creating another exposure.

    Routine follow-up is also appropriate after emergency treatment when the discharge instructions recommend another lung, heart, or nerve check.

    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

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine follow-up if cough or irritation persists, or if numbness, weakness, balance problems, memory changes, or repeated inhalant use develops.

The article also says

Do not enter a space with concentrated fumes unless trained and properly equipped.

In the United States, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 after any swallowing exposure, concerning inhalation, or uncertain exposure.

It is available 24 hours a day.

Elsewhere, contact your local poison information service.

Have the product container or ingredient list available if possible.

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