Calcium hydroxide

Definition

This poisoning is caused by an overdose of calcium hydroxide. It is found in many industrial cleaning products, as well as in some industrial by-products, such as limewater, slaked lime, and many different types of cement.

Poisonous Ingredient

Calcium hydroxide

Where Found

• Limewater
  
• Slaked lime
  
• Cement
  
• Many industrial solvents and cleaners (hundreds to thousands of construction agents, flooring strippers, brick cleaners, cement thickening agents, and many others)
  

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

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

• DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING!
  
• If calcium hydroxide is on the skin or in the eye flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.
  
• If calcium hydroxide is swallowed, give milk or water to dilute it.
  
• For an inhalation patient, remove the patient to fresh air.
  

Before Calling Emergency
Determine the following information:

• The patient's age, weight, and condition
  
• The name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)