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Warning-sign checks

Talcum powder 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 talcum powder:

    • Has severe trouble breathing
    • Has blue-grey lips, face, or skin
    • Collapses, has a seizure, or cannot be awakened
    • Is choking and cannot cough, speak, or breathe
    • Develops severe confusion or marked drowsiness

    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 a substantial exposure, after any exposure involving breathing symptoms, or if a baby or young child inhaled powder.

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

    Elsewhere, use your local poison centre or urgent medical service.

    Seek urgent medical assessment for persistent coughing, wheezing, chest pain, repeated vomiting, or shortness of breath.

    Symptoms that worsen over the hours after exposure should not wait for a routine appointment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is appropriate for a cough or reduced exercise tolerance that continues after the immediate illness, or for symptoms linked to repeated workplace exposure.

The article also says

Move the person away from airborne powder if this can be done safely.

Do not give food or drink to someone who is unconscious or struggling to breathe.

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