Ink remover

Definition

Ink removers usually contain some form of alcohol, either ethanol (drinking alcohol), methanol (wood alcohol, which is extremely toxic), or isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol, which is also very toxic).

Poisonous Ingredient

• ethanol
  
• methanol
  
• isopropyl alcohol
  

Where Found

• ink removers
  
• liquid bleaches
  

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

For ethanol:

• stupor
  
• unconsciousness
  
• decreased respirations
  
• brain damage
  

For methanol and isopropyl alcohol:

• body as a whole
  o weakness
  o leg cramps
  o convulsions
  o severe disturbance in blood pH leading to multi-organ failure
  
• kidneys
  o renal failure
  
• respiratory
  o rapid, shallow breathing
  o stopped breathing (see breathing difficulties - first aid)
  
• eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  o blurred vision
  o blindness
  o dilation of the pupils
  
• skin
  o cyanosis (blue skin, lips, or fingernails)
  
• gastrointestinal
  o nausea
  o vomiting
  
• heart and blood vessels
  o low blood pressure
  
• nervous system
  o coma
  o fatigue
  o headache
  o dizziness
  

Home Treatment
DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If the product is on the skin, wash with lots of water. Seek emergency medical care immediately.

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