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

Warning-sign checks

Toluene and xylene 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 choking
    • Collapse, a seizure, loss of consciousness, or inability to wake
    • Severe confusion, extreme agitation, or inability to walk safely
    • Chest pain or a fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
    • Exposure in an enclosed space where rescue would be unsafe

    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 a product containing toluene or xylene, even if symptoms are not yet present.

    Do not induce vomiting.

    Poison advice is also appropriate after a substantial inhalation, eye exposure, or widespread skin contamination.

    Seek urgent assessment for coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, repeated vomiting, increasing drowsiness, marked weakness, or worsening symptoms after leaving the exposure.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine follow-up if headaches, memory problems, poor concentration, skin inflammation, hearing changes, or balance problems continue after repeated exposure.

    Workplace-related symptoms should also be discussed with an occupational health service so the exposure can be assessed and controlled.

The article also says

Do not enter a contaminated area to attempt a rescue unless you are trained and properly equipped.

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