Concrete

Alternative names

Asphalt; Cement; Pavement; Asphalt cement

Definition

Before asphalt hardens, its liquid form can cause burns to the skin and eyes, it can cause lung damage if inhaled, and it can cause severe internal injury if ingested.

Poisonous Ingredient

• various industrial solvents
  
• various industrial glues
  
• tar
  
• various hydrocarbons
  

Where Found

• various asphalt and tile cements
  

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
Seek emergency medical care immediately. Do NOT induce vomiting!

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• the patient's age, weight, and condition
  
• the name of the product
  
• the time it was swallowed
  
• the amount swallowed
  

Poison Control, or a local emergency number
See Poison Control Centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Bring a product sample with you to the emergency room.