Condition
Anti-rust products
David Cohen, M.D.Published 24 April 20052 min read
Key points
- Anti-rust products contain various toxic substances that can be ingested by small children, or they may be accidentally inhaled if they are being used in a small, poorly-ventilated area, such as a garage.
- Poison Control, or a local emergency number They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital.
- The prognosis (probable outcome) depends on how rapidly the poisons were diluted and neutralized.
- See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses.
Definition
Anti-rust products contain various toxic substances that can be ingested by small children, or they may be accidentally inhaled if they are being used in a small, poorly-ventilated area, such as a garage.
Poisonous Ingredient
- nitrites
- oxalic acid
- hydrocarbons
- chelating agents
Where Found
- various anti-rust products
Symptoms
- Respiratory
o Breathing difficulty (from inhalation)
o Throat swelling (which may also cause breathing difficulty) - Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
o Severe pain in the throat
o Severe pain or burning in the nose, eyes, ears, lips, or tongue
o Loss of vision - Gastrointestinal
o Severe Abdominal pain
o Vomiting
o Burns of the esophagus (food pipe)
o Vomiting blood
o Blood in the stool - Heart and blood vessels
o Hypotension (Low Blood pressure) develops rapidly
o Collapse - Skin
o Irritation
o Burn
o Necrosis (holes) in the skin or underlying tissues - Blood
o Severe change in pH (too much or too little acid in the blood, which leads to damage in all of the body organs)
o Methemoglobinemia, a condition where the red blood cells have reduced capacity to carry oxygen to the tissues - Kidneys
o Kidney failure
Home Treatment
Seek emergency medical care immediately. If the patient is awake, give water to dilute. Do not induce Vomiting.
Before Calling Emergency
Determine the following information:
- the patient's age, weight, and condition
- the name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
- the time it was swallowed
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
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