Varnish

Definition

Poisoning from an ingestion of varnish.

Poisonous Ingredient

• Methylene chloride
  
• Acetone
  
• Toluene
  
• Ethanol
  

Where Found

• Some varnishes
  

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
  
• Neurologic
  o Sleepiness
  o Stupor
  o Coma
  o Severe brain damage
  

Home Treatment
Seek emergency medical care immediately. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING UNLESS INSTRUCTED TO DO SO. If patient is conscious give a small amount of fluid (milk or water) to stop local irritation and burning of mouth and throat.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• The patient's age, weight, and condition
  
• The name of the product (as well as the ingredients and strength, if known)
  
• The time it was swallowed
  
• The amount swallowed
  

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

What to expect at the emergency room

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed: