Automatic dishwasher soaps

Definition

This poisoning is from ingestion of an automatic dishwashing soap.

Poisonous Ingredient

• Various alkalai soaps (which can vary in alkali content). Toxicity varies depending on pH and extent of exposure.
  

Where Found

• Automatic dishwashing soaps
  

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)
  

Home Treatment

• Seek emergency medical care immediately.
  
• DO NOT INDUCE Vomiting.
  
• If the soap is in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes. If the soap was swallowed, have the patient drink water or milk IMMEDIATELY. If the patient is Vomiting, keep giving water or milk.
  

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
  
• The amount swallowed
  

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.