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Warning-sign checks

Stoddard solvent 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 an exposed person has:

    • Trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, or severe chest tightness
    • Collapse, inability to wake, severe confusion, or a seizure
    • Choking or repeated coughing after swallowing the solvent
    • Severe weakness, poor coordination, or an abnormal heartbeat
    • Exposure inside an enclosed space followed by significant symptoms

    Elsewhere, use your local poison centre or emergency advice service.

    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 swallowing Stoddard solvent, even if there are no symptoms yet.

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

    Seek urgent medical assessment for increasing cough, fever, chest pain, rapid breathing, wheezing, vomiting, or unusual drowsiness after exposure.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine medical follow-up for skin irritation that does not settle, recurring symptoms at work, or ongoing headaches, concentration problems, cough, or breathlessness.

    Workplace exposures can also be reviewed by an occupational health service.

The article also says

Do not enter a contaminated enclosed area to attempt a rescue unless you have appropriate training and protective equipment.

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